Kendall County Times

State Representative Jed Davis shared an update on legislative activities from Springfield, focusing on recent developments and upcoming priorities. The deadline for the House Bill Third Reading has passed, with unfinished bills returning to the Rules Committee. The attention now shifts to Senate bills as they move through the legislative process.

The FY26 budget negotiations have come to the forefront, with rising concerns about proposed measures, including a road mileage tax. Davis expressed determination to advocate for rural communities, saying, "I’ll keep showing up, pushing back, and fighting for common sense in Springfield as we move deeper into budget talks and final legislation."

In a related matter, Davis announced the temporary pause of the Homeschool Act, felt as a victory for homeschooling and private school families. However, the bill could return in a modified form later.

Efforts to advance Andrew’s Law have gained momentum. The legislation seeks to close loopholes in Illinois law which currently allow child predators to avoid strict penalties. House Bill 1140 and Senate Bill 284 propose to eliminate plea deals for serious offenders and enhance restrictions on convicted child sex offenders. Davis underlined the urgency of this issue, stating, "If lawmakers really believe in protecting children, then Andrew’s Law can’t just be another bill – it has to be a line in the sand."

Michelle Peterson, a child protection advocate, emphasized the necessity of passing the law, drawing from personal experience, "We don’t need more debate. We need action. Call it for a vote."

Controversy surrounds a newly filed bill seeking to legalize prostitution in Illinois, prompting Davis to launch a petition against this proposal. He labeled the bill as detrimental and questioned its potential ramifications, encouraging constituents to oppose it.

Other initiatives include the continuation of the 2025 Legislative Survey to gather public feedback, a free museum pass program, and community events such as a fishing derby and a property tax roundtable. The events are part of Davis's efforts to engage with constituents and address local concerns.

The legislative calendar highlights include the Senate Bill Committee Deadline on May 9th, the Senate Bill 3rd Reading Deadline on May 23rd, and the session adjournment on May 31st. Davis encourages residents to stay informed by visiting his website or contacting his office with any queries.

Jed Davis reaffirms his commitment to serving the community, expressing gratitude, "Serving you is the honor of a lifetime, and I’m grateful for your support as we tackle the challenges ahead."