(SPRINGFIELD) As Illinois edges toward a decision with significant implications for families and students, many lawmakers are urging the state to opt into the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, warning that failure to do so could mean statewide residents would lose out on education help right here at home. The key point is that while the federal tax credit is available to all U.S. taxpayers, Illinois must opt in for its students to benefit. If the state does not act, Illinois donors could still get the credit, but the scholarships would go to students in other states.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would delay property tax sales and pause penalties as the state grapples with how to respond to a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling on home equity. Illinois Senate Bill 4177 has been introduced as a temporary step while broader reforms are considered following the high court’s decision in Tyler versus Hennepin County. The ruling says a homeowner’s equity cannot be taken away like the tax claim sales do in Illinois, which is one of a few states that hasn’t changed its law since the court’s decision.
(SPRINGFIELD) An Illinois proposal would require shelters and rescues to register pet microchips in a national database before dogs and cats are adopted. While microchips are already a standard requirement for pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups in Illinois, the process is typically paid for as part of the total adoption fee cost. Supporters of Senate Bill 2891 say it would close gaps that currently make it difficult to reunite lost pets with their owners.
(SPRINGFIELD) A bill requiring anyone operating a powerful motorboat or personal watercraft to carry liability insurance passed the State Senate Transportation Committee recently. If passed into law, the new rules would impact a significant number of water lovers in Illinois. Senate Bill 2972 mandates liability insurance for owners of certain watercraft, including boats with engines more than 50 horsepower, any boats longer than 21 feet, and all jet skis on any type of water.