Supreme Court Declines to Take Up Gun Ban – For Now
In an order released July 2, the United States Supreme Court declined to take up a legal challenge to the state’s so-called “assault weapon” ban but left the door open to hearing the case in the future.
Petitioners had requested that the nation’s highest court issue an injunction against the enforcement of the ban. The request followed conflicting rulings on multiple challenges to the law, including a temporary injunction issued by a judge in the Southern District of Illinois that was later thrown out by the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, where a challenge is still pending.
The Supreme Court has declined to hear the case while that challenge is ongoing but reserved the right to take it up at a later date, with Justice Clarence Thomas noting, “…if the Seventh Circuit ultimately allows Illinois to ban America’s most common civilian rifle, we can – and should – review that decision once the cases reach a final judgment.” Thomas added that, “The Court must not permit ‘the Seventh Circuit to relegate the Second Amendment to a second-class right.”
I voted against the legislation when it came before lawmakers and remain optimistic that the state’s ban will ultimately be found unconstitutional once the legal process has concluded. I firmly believe it is an unconstitutional overreach and an attack on the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.
Chesney Visits with Birth to Five Official for Northwest IL
This year Illinois launched a Department of Early Childhood that seeks to unite the majority of early childhood services into once place. The goal is to make it easier for families to access important services and provide for stronger coordination by the agencies that do the most work with families and their young children.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Lou Ann Hayes of the Birth to Five- Illinois program for Region 8, which includes Carroll, Jo Daviess, and Stephenson Counties in Northwest Illinois. She shared the group’s action plan, and we had a nice conversation about how we can all work collaboratively to establish a system that ensures families have access to high-quality early childhood services all over Illinois.
New Law Signed to Assist Disabled Veterans
Legislation I co-sponsored that aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on disabled veterans in Illinois was signed into law on July 1. This new law waives permit fees for disabled veterans who need to modify their homes for accessibility.
Previously, disabled veterans returning from service who needed to adapt their homes were required to pay permit fees to their local government in addition to covering the cost of their renovation. This added financial strain often made essential home modifications even more challenging.
Senate Bill 2751 specifically addresses the issue by waiving permit fees for disabled veterans making necessary home modifications. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law on July 1, 2024, and will take effect January 1, 2025.
Community Connections Tour Continues with July Event in Savanna
With three events already completed, I am continuing my series of Community Connections meetings in the 45th District with upcoming events in Savanna, Freeport, Oregon, and Elizabeth.
These town hall-style meetings have been very well received so far, and I would expect to continue seeing nice crowds at the four remaining events. Please mark your calendars now for an event close to you:
Savanna Community Connections Meeting
Wednesday, July 31
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Savanna City Hall
333 Chicago Ave, Savanna
Co-Hosted by Savanna Mayor Val Gunnarsson
Freeport Community Connections Meeting
Wednesday, August 28
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building
210 W. Spring Street, Freeport
Co-Hosted by Stephenson County Board Chairman Scott Helms
Oregon Community Connections Meeting
Thursday, September 12
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Nash Recreations Center (River Room)
304 South Fifth Street, Oregon
Co-Hosted by Oregon Mayor Ken Williams
Elizabeth Community Connections Meeting
Wednesday, September 11
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Elizabeth Village Hall
200 East Myrtle Street, Elizabeth
Co-Hosted by Jo Daviess County Board Chairman LaDon Trost,
Elizabeth Village President Jason Thomasson, and
Jo Daviess County Board Member Mike Dittmar
As with the first three events, I will provide a brief update on the spring legislative session, including the budget and some bills that passed. Most importantly, those who attend will have an opportunity to ask questions about issues that matter to them and engage in on one-on-one conversations with the community leaders and me. For additional information about these meetings, please contact my office at (815) 232-0774 or email Lori at lyates@sgop.ilga.gov.
IDFPR Launches Pilot Program for Online Payment of Application Fees
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has launched a new pilot program allowing professionals in select fields to pay application fees online through the ePay Portal. This initiative aims to streamline the application process, making it more convenient and efficient for professionals statewide.
ePay is a full-service electronic payment system that allows for the fast and secure processing of payments, offering users the flexibility to pay fees 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Starting June 4, this new feature will benefit professionals in the Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) and the Division of Real Estate (DRE).
Visit the IDFPR website for more information about the pilot program and to see if your profession is eligible.
