Missouri HB2125 Modifies Secretary of State Functions

Missouri HB2125, a House Bill modifying provisions related to the functions of the Secretary of State, passed the House on March 5, 2026 (101-46-1 vote) and has been referred to the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee. The bill, sponsored by six Republican representatives, would alter administrative functions of the Secretary of State's office but has not yet been enacted into law.

HB4941 Underground Storage Tank Fund Eligibility Amendment

Illinois House Bill HB4941 passed, amending the Environmental Protection Act to expand Underground Storage Tank Fund eligibility to owners and operators removing tanks installed over 30 years before removal. The bill establishes six specific conditions including non-government ownership, fuel tax compliance, proper registration under the Gasoline Storage Act, and notification to the Illinois EPA and Office of the State Fire Marshal.

HB5071 - Toll Highway Authority Bilingual Pay Supplement

The Illinois House passed HB5071 amending the Toll Highway Act to authorize the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority to establish a bilingual pay supplement for positions requiring non-English language skills. The supplement aims to attract bilingual candidates, encourage language proficiency among current employees, and retain qualified bilingual staff. Certification must be processed within 30 calendar days.

Fire Districts Fund Transfer - Ambulance Services

The Illinois General Assembly passed HB4292, amending the Fire Protection District Act to authorize fire protection districts to transfer funds from their ambulance service fund to other district-controlled funds. The transfer requires a majority vote by the board of trustees and is limited to once per year. The legislation includes safeguards requiring that sufficient funds remain to cover ambulance service obligations and that the transfer does not impair the district's public safety mission.

HB3056 - Dog Import Age Limit

Illinois House Bill 3056 amends the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit licensed persons from importing dogs under 8 weeks of age into the state. The bill also requires licensees to inquire about a dog's age prior to import. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Curtis Tarver and passed the House with unanimous committee support.

Telecommunications Wire Theft Law - HB4943

Illinois HB4943 passed the House on February 4, 2026, amending the Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law to create new violations for unauthorized possession, purchase, or sale of telecommunications wire. The bill restricts recyclable metal dealers from acquiring telecom wire except from authorized utility agents, licensed contractors, or registered service providers. A new Recyclable Metal Theft Task Force will be established to review enforcement effectiveness and recommend additional legislative and enforcement solutions.

HB4255 Expands Criminal Code Protections for Traveling Animal Acts

The Illinois House passed HB4255 on April 7, 2026, amending the Criminal Code of 2012 to expand protections for animals in traveling acts. The bill replaces the narrow focus on elephants with a broader definition of "covered animals" encompassing Elephantidae, Felidae (excluding domestic cats), non-human primates, and Ursidae. Traveling animal acts in Illinois must comply with these expanded restrictions starting July 1, 2026.

Illinois SB2774 Meal Kit Facilities Regulation

Illinois Governor signed SB2774 into law on January 13, 2026, amending the Sanitary Food Preparation Act to extend regulatory oversight to meal kit and ready-to-eat meal distribution facilities. The new law grants local health departments enforcement authority over these facilities and establishes requirements for temperature control, food safety inspections, food labeling, delivery standards, and transparency. Meal kit and ready-to-eat meal distribution facilities must pay inspection fees within 30 days to the local health department that conducted the inspection, with non-compliance consequences including late fees.

Mississippi HB1989 Exempts Utilities Sales Tax for Certain Nonprofits

Mississippi Governor signed HB1989 into law on April 6, 2026, amending Section 27-65-107 of the Mississippi Code to exempt sales tax on utilities purchased by certain nonprofit organizations. The exemption applies to utilities used on properties primarily used for agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, horse racing, entertainment events, and temporary lodging facilities. The bill passed the House 110-1 and Senate 52-0 after conference committee reconciliation.

Additional State Appropriations - HB1939

Mississippi Governor signed HB1939 into law on April 6, 2026, authorizing additional appropriations of capital expense and special funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill allocates funds to multiple state agencies including the Division of Medicaid, Department of Child Protection Services, Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Office of the Attorney General, Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, Board of Animal Health, and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.