2026 Legislative Session Overview
During the 2026 legislative session, Representative Suzanne Ness focused her agenda on affordability, disability advocacy, ethics reform, environmental sustainability, mental health services, consumer protection, and local government accountability. Her legislative portfolio reflects a mix of constituent-focused initiatives and statewide policy reforms.
🔹 Legislative Accomplishments in 2026
Several bills supported or sponsored by Representative Ness reached significant milestones during the session:
• HB 762 (Regulation Technology) became Public Act 104-0445
• HB 1432 (ABLE Account Contributions) advanced through the legislative process and was promoted as a major disability advocacy initiative.
• HB 1329 (Co-Responder Unit – McHenry County) passed the House and advanced to the Senate.
• Multiple technology and consumer protection measures she co-sponsored passed both chambers or were enacted into law.
🔹 Key Bills Sponsored & Co-Sponsored
HB4248 – Algorithmic Pricing Transparency Act
Regulates “surveillance pricing” by requiring transparency when online sellers use consumer data to personalize prices.
HB5236 – Digital Library Protection Act
Protects access to digital library materials and ensures equitable availability of digital resources for Illinois residents.
HB1432 – ABLE Account Contributions
Expands opportunities for contributions to Illinois ABLE accounts, which help individuals with disabilities save money without jeopardizing benefits eligibility.
HB1369 – Income Tax Caregivers
Provides tax relief for family caregivers who incur expenses while caring for aging parents, children with disabilities, or dependent relatives.
HB1329 – Co-Responder Unit (McHenry County)
Supports the development and expansion of co-responder units in McHenry County, pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals to respond to crises.
HB1146 – Plastic Bag Reduction Act
Amends the Solid Waste Planning and Recycling Act to phase out single-use plastic carryout bags statewide.
HB1314 – County Ethics Commission
Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to allow governmental entities to establish ethics commissions to meet oversight requirements.
HB1313 – Election Code: Equipment and Audits
Updates election administration procedures related to voting equipment and election audits.
HB1144 – Residential Public Utility Services
Strengthens consumer protections related to residential utility services.
HB1604 – LLC Annual Report Fee Waiver
Provides annual report fee relief for qualifying limited liability companies.
HB762 – Regulation Technology
Modernizes state regulatory processes through technology improvements and streamlined administrative procedures.
HB5513 – Hyperscale Data Centers (Supported Legislative Priority)
Establishes environmental, energy, water usage, and community-impact standards for large-scale data centers.
