Not all of the nearly 3,100 bills introduced this year in Springfield aim at top voter concerns.
Along with pensions, taxes and the Bears, Illinois lawmakers this session have looked to address Italian beef, etiquette and retro license plates.
In other words, not all of the 3,086 bills introduced this year in Springfield tackle immediate voter concerns. Over the two-year 104th General Assembly over 9,800 bills have been introduced.
Here are details on bills that may not rank high among constituents’ worries:
1) An official sandwich, soda and bumblebee
House Bill 4669 designates Italian beef the official sandwich of the Illinois. The bill has been amended to designate the horseshoe as the state’s official open-faced sandwich.
To wash down these delicious lunches, House Bill 4318 proposes Ski as the official state soda.
The Black-and-Gold Bumblebee would become the official state bee of Illinois under House Bill 4438.
2) Etiquette classes for pre-K through high school
Senate Bill 2832 would require the State Board of Education to establish a pilot program to provide Illinois students developmental etiquette education beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. By the 2028-2029 school year, each student in grade 12 would have to complete the program to receive a high school diploma.
3) $40 for “retro” license plates
House Bill 4351 allows the Secretary of State to issue a special registration plate replicating license plates from 1983 to 2001. A retro license plate would cost $40 initially and $27 for renewal.
4) Ban wild animals in circuses
The Traveling Animal Act, Senate Bill 2747 and House Bill 4255, would ban circuses traveling through Illinois from featuring lions, tigers, bears and primates. The ban follows a first-of-its-kind prohibition on using elephants in traveling shows that took effect in 2017.
5) Controlling the volume on commercials
Video streaming services would not be allowed to make audio of commercials louder than the video content under Senate Bill 2804.
6) Pet custody rights for unmarried couples
House Bill 4540 would settle pet possession disputes. Regardless of marital status, a court may consider the well-being of companion animals such as dogs or cats. The introduced version of the bill even mandates mediation to resolve disputes.
Will special status for a bumblebee stop Illinoisans from moving out?
