McLean County Times

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 8 into law, introducing new mandates on gun owners in Illinois. Critics argue that the legislation conflicts with existing laws and creates uncertainty for hunters, target shooters, and youth shooting clubs.

"I voted No on this bill when it came before the House this spring," said State Representative Jason Bunting. "The bill creates excessive and confusing firearm storage mandates with stiff civil penalties for those not in compliance with them. It is another unclear law which puts law-abiding gun owners at the risk of prosecution." He added that a court challenge is expected, as has been the case with other recent gun control measures.

In energy news, PJM Interconnection—the grid operator serving states from the Great Lakes to the mid-Atlantic including northern Illinois—has announced an increase in capacity prices from $269.92 per megawatt-day to $329.17 per megawatt-day. This hike will affect consumers starting next summer. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which supplies electricity to other parts of Illinois, also experienced a price spike earlier this year.

"Earlier this year the Republican members of the House and Senate energy committees called for a subject matter hearing to review whether Illinois’ energy policies are working for the residents of our state," Bunting stated. "We wanted to know how the state’s energy policy is doing when it comes to delivering reliable and affordable energy to Illinoisans. Our request was not approved."

The Illinois State Treasurer’s office currently holds $5 billion in unclaimed property, including forgotten savings accounts, uncashed stock certificates, insurance payments, and old utility deposits. Bunting announced an upcoming event aimed at helping local residents determine if they have unclaimed property: "Later this month I am joining with the treasurer’s office and other local state legislators to host an informational event to help local residents find out if they have unclaimed property and learn how to access it." The event will be held at Dominy Memorial Library in Fairbury on August 20 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Bunting also reported meeting recently with his Law Enforcement Advisory Group: "They’re always one of the best groups to have thoughtful and productive conversations with on all things related to public safety. I am grateful for their insight and continued partnership!"

As of now, unpaid bills submitted by vendors for goods and services provided to Illinois total approximately $2.49 billion—a figure higher than last year's $1.6 billion backlog at this time—and does not include unfunded debts such as pension liabilities exceeding $100 billion.

Bunting was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois' 106th House District in 2023 after replacing Thomas Bennett.

(https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3227)

Other updates highlighted include calls by House Republicans for accountability following repeated DCFS failures; announcements about new businesses coming to Morris; improvements at DMV+ locations in Champaign; and details about the Farm Progress Show returning later this month.