SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, House Assistant Minority Leader Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) joined House Republicans on the Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy (RISE) and Supporting Women & Families working groups to provide an update on legislation the groups are championing during the spring 2023 session. Leader Stephens is a member of both working groups.
“With eight days left until our spring legislative session adjournment, it’s imperative we work together on these commonsense reforms to help improve our state,” said Leader Stephens. “I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to consider these bills in committee and on the House floor. These issues are deserving of debate and are solutions to help Illinoisans, businesses looking to locate to the Prairie State, and families seeking to build their lives here. We have a week left and it will be a long summer to veto session, so let’s get to work!”
The groups covered a variety of topics, from business and litigation reforms, lowering taxes, reforming energy policy, improving healthcare, keeping children safe, and increasing access to childcare. Highlighted legislation included House Bill 4058, sponsored by Leader Stephens and Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) to allow an alleged offender who is a minor named in a juvenile law enforcement record to be disclosed to the victim or alleged victim by request as long as it does not impede the criminal investigation.
Additional legislation mentioned by the groups were HB 4060 to require the State Board of Education and Department of Public Health to disseminate to all Illinois schools information on programs to encourage healthy screen time usage and HB 4056 to create the Maternal Health and Well-being Workgroup. Also mentioned were HB 3273 to exempt certain businesses from utility taxes during times of surge pricing, HB 3580 to align state income tax depreciation laws to be similar to ones at the federal level, and HB 4087 and HB 4082 to make workers compensation reforms in Illinois.
Leader Stephens is a member of the House Labor & Commerce Committee and House Republican Spokesperson for the Cities & Villages Committee.