Illinois State Fair Returns to Springfield
The 2026 Illinois State Fair kicks off Aug. 13 in Springfield with the annual Twilight Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. The 11-day event features livestock shows, concerts, harness racing, carnival rides, fair food, and more.
This year, the Grandstand will host musical acts such as Lainey Wilson, Matchbox Twenty, Wiz Khalifa, and Ella Langley, along with several other performers. Numerous stages throughout the fairgrounds will also feature live music and other entertainment.
In addition to livestock and agricultural competitions, this year’s fair will feature a LEGO building contest, a pet photography contest, and a cheer and dance showcase.
The Illinois State Fair is hosting an admission tickets flash sale from August 1 through August 12, with fairgoers having the opportunity to purchase single day admission tickets for just $5 online during that time.
The 2026 Illinois State Fair wraps up Sunday, Aug. 23. More information is available on the Illinois State Fair website.
Republican Legislation Strengthening DCFS Transparency and Accountability Signed into Law
Legislation was recently signed into law to strengthen transparency and accountability in DCFS investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect.
House Bill 4242, sponsored by Senator Darby Hills, amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act by requiring DCFS to include additional information in written notices of final determinations involving indicated findings of abuse or neglect.
Under the new law, notices must include a statement of the allegation and indicated finding, the length of time the finding will remain in the State Central Register, and information regarding the right to request an administrative appeal. The notice must also explain the deadline and process for filing an appeal, as well as the right to request a copy of the relevant investigative file.
House Bill 4242 takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Law Requires Certain Businesses to Accept Cash
Recently signed legislation makes it easier for consumers to use cash for common, everyday purchases.
House Bill 4592 creates the Retail Cash Payment Act, requiring businesses such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants to accept cash for in-person transactions under $500.
The law is intended to ensure that consumers who rely on cash rather than credit or debit cards can continue to make essential purchases. Before the legislation was approved, Illinois did not have a statewide requirement for businesses to accept cash.
House Bill 4592 passed unanimously in the Senate and takes effect January 1, 2028.
Legislation Strengthening Assisted Living Standards Signed into Law
Legislation to strengthen standards for Illinois assisted living facilities was signed into law on July 24.
House Bill 3392 updates the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act by improving the admission process for new residents, modernizing care standards, and strengthening accountability for facilities.
The law requires every resident to receive a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial assessment before admission by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It also updates qualification requirements for assisted living directors, requires dementia and Alzheimer’s assessments to be approved by qualified medical professionals with geriatric experience, recognizes current medication administration practices, and strengthens enforcement for facilities with repeated compliance violations.
The legislation passed the Senate and House unanimously and takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Law Expands Military License Plate Eligibility for Illinois Veterans
Bipartisan legislation seeking to expand recognition for Illinois veterans was recently signed into law.
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.
Previously, Illinois law limited eligible veterans to one set of military specialty plates. Under the new law, veterans with multiple vehicles will be able to display the plates on a second vehicle.
The State of Illinois has special vehicle plates for veterans who received any of the following decorations: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Submarine Veterans, Global War, and the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
House Bill 4385 passed unanimously in both chambers and takes effect immediately.
Grants Awarded to Support Local Food Infrastructure
The Illinois Department of Agriculture recently announced nearly $4 million in funding to strengthen and expand the state’s local food system.
The Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program provides funding to Illinois producers and food businesses to help improve the storage, processing, packaging, aggregation, and distribution of locally grown and produced food.
According to the IDOA, eligible applicants must be based in Illinois and involved in storing, processing, packaging, aggregating, or distributing value-added agricultural products. Eligible awardees include farms, cooperatives, processing facilities, food businesses, and food hubs with 50 or fewer employees. Nonprofit organizations and units of local government may also apply.
The program was launched in 2025. Grants range from $1,000 to $250,000 for collaborative projects and from $1,000 to $75,000 for individual applicants.
For a complete list of 2026 grant recipients, click here.
Central Illinois Lawmakers Launch Classroom Care Drive to Support Local Schools
State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason), State Representative Regan Deering (R-Decatur), and State Representative Bill Hauter (R-Morton) are teaming up to host a Classroom Care Drive to collect everyday supplies for local teachers and students as they begin a new school year.
From now through September 30, the lawmakers will collect tissues, hand sanitizers, wet wipes for hands, disinfecting wipes, and paper towels at their district offices in Lincoln, Decatur, and Morton.
The lawmakers encourage residents to participate throughout the drive and help ensure local classrooms are stocked with supplies teachers and students rely on for a successful and healthy school year.
