Rauner signs pro-growth bill restricting state regulators

By Mindy Ruckman

08/06/2018

State agencies can no longer pile rules and regulations onto Illinois businesses without first taking into account their economic effects.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, regulations, small business, Tom Cullerton

Illinois’ fireworks ban could land you in jail

By Joe Barnas

06/29/2018

Illinois remains one of only four states to impose severe restrictions on the purchase and use of consumer fireworks.

TAGS: criminal justice reform, fireworks ban, regulations

En route to Rauner’s desk: Victories for licensing reform, regulatory rollback and axing golden parachutes

By Mindy Ruckman

06/19/2018

Nearly 600 bills are on their way to the governor, some of which would be encouraging changes to the status quo.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Carol Sente, criminal justice reform, Dan McConchie, Illinois Tollway, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, Paul Schimpf, regulations, Thomas Cullerton, transparency

Amid heavy ticketing, challenge to Chicago food truck regulations heads to Illinois Supreme Court

By Vincent Caruso, Joe Barnas

05/31/2018

Chicago’s regulatory roadblocks have derailed opportunity for the city’s food truck entrepreneurs. As a challenge to those restrictions reaches Illinois’ high court, the outcome of the case could be felt statewide.

TAGS: Chicago, CPD: Chicago Police Department, food trucks, Illinois Supreme Court, regulations

Illinois lawmakers pass bill raising legal age of tobacco, e-cigarette purchases to 21

By Vincent Caruso

05/30/2018

Pending the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.

TAGS: Julie Morrison, regulations, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Leave your 13-year-old home alone? Police can take her into custody under Illinois law

By Jeffrey Schwab

05/20/2018

Illinois’ law mandating a minimum age for leaving children home alone is the strictest of its kind in the nation.

TAGS: DCFS: Department of Children and Family Services, home alone, regulations

Carbondale could lead on easing food truck regulations

By Joe Kaiser

05/11/2018

Though some of Illinois’ larger municipalities such as Chicago and Evanston have been overly restrictive in regulating food trucks, the Carbondale City Council has debated loosening them for its city, soliciting mixed opinions.

TAGS: carbondale, food trucks, jobs, regulations

Senate bill would require regulators to jump more hurdles before imposing new licensing restrictions

By Vincent Caruso

05/07/2018

Regulatory regimes in Illinois often discourage workforce participation without enhancing public welfare. One Senate bill, however, would require regulators to demonstrate the necessity of new rules before imposing them on workers.

TAGS: Chicago, food trucks, licensing, Lisa Creason, occupational licensing, Pam Althoff, regulations, scott bennett, Tom Demmer

Study: Chicago’s regulatory roadblocks stifle the city’s food trucks

By Vincent Caruso

03/27/2018

The country is enjoying a food truck boom, but overbearing regulations threaten the industry. According to a new study, Chicago’s regulatory burden is among the worst.

TAGS: Chicago, food trucks, licensing, regulations

House committee passes tackle football ban for Illinoisans under age 12

By Brendan Bakala

03/01/2018

The CTE Prevention Act would forbid any child under the age of 12 from playing tackle football.

TAGS: CTE Prevention Act, education, football, regulations