Senate bill would strike car-sharing startups with new taxes, regulations

By Vincent Caruso

11/14/2018

With lobbyist backing, lawmakers passed a bill in May aimed at driving out competitors for rental car companies. Gov. Bruce Rauner rejected the bill, but lawmakers could revive it during veto session.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Getaround, Pam Althoff, regulations, Turo

Revised law requires Illinoisans to upgrade smoke detectors by 2023

By Janelle Cammenga

09/27/2018

Revisions to the state’s smoke detector law include stricter safety standards, which will require many Illinois homes to buy new devices.

TAGS: Illinois Fire Safety Alliance, regulations, Smoke Detector Act

Rauner rejects bill aiming to squeeze out rental car competition

By Joe Barnas, Mindy Ruckman

08/31/2018

Using his amendatory veto authority, the governor blocked a proposal by the General Assembly that would have protected traditional rental car companies by stifling car-sharing startups.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, carsharing, Getaround, Maven, regulations, Turo

Small business owners give Illinois an ‘F’ in friendliness

By Vincent Caruso

08/20/2018

A recent survey found Illinois to be the least accommodating state in the nation for small businesses.

TAGS: EDGE: Economic Development for a Growing Economy, income tax, progressive income tax, regulations, sales tax, small business, tax credits, taxes

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