McHenry Times

Senator Craig Wilcox joined other lawmakers at a legislative luncheon hosted by the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce last week. The event brought together local business and government leaders, where each attending Senator and State Representative gave updates on legislative issues. Wilcox, who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, discussed ongoing challenges in reaching a solution for public transit funding that is fair to all riders across regions.

Wilcox stated there has been no move from the majority party to address the transit issue before the veto session but expects it will be considered during sessions scheduled for October. He noted that Metra, PACE, and CTA transit systems are funded through 2025.

Several bills related to veterans that Wilcox sponsored or co-sponsored were recently signed into law. “House Bill 1362(Chief Sponsor): Closes an unintended loophole in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERA), which ensures that military personnel engaged in military service do not receive a reduction in pay or benefits from their normal jobs due to their military service.

Senate Bill 39: Exempts veterans living in non-profit veteran housing from having to build expensive EV charging systems on their property.

Senate Bill 220: Provides that employees at businesses with more than 50 employees can take paid leave to participate in funeral honors for veterans.”

A new law co-sponsored by Wilcox also changes requirements for senior drivers. “House Bill 1226 eliminates the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. For drivers aged 81-86, they must retake the driving test every two years, and after the age of 87, driving tests are required annually.

The provisions of HB 1226 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. It includes the following provisions:

Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.

Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.

Rules for drivers aged 87 and older would remain the same, with a behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test required annually.”

Family members may now request an additional road test if concerned about an older relative’s ability to drive safely. The new rules will begin July 1, 2026.

Wilcox thanked participants at his recent shred event and food drive held with State Rep. Steve Reick in Woodstock, noting nearly 150 cars attended over three hours and several hundred food items were collected for local pantries.

Upcoming events include Barks & Brews Pet Adoption Event at Kishwaukee Brewing on August 21; Conversations Untapped at Harbor Viewing Company on August 28; IPASS On Demand sessions September 9 at Fox Lake Library and September 17 at Lake Villa District Library; Traveling Office Hours with Cary Mayor Mark Kownick September 23; Medicare 101 September 30; Senior Resource Fair October 14 at Grand Oaks Recreation Center. New events are posted regularly online.

Governor JB Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 328 into law despite concerns from Republicans who say it could increase lawsuits against Illinois businesses by allowing anyone nationwide to sue companies registered within Illinois regardless of where disputes arise. Critics argue this could lead to more frivolous cases clogging courts and discourage investment.

Wilcox called SB 328 “a prime example of how special interests are being put ahead of the people of Illinois,” warning it could result in higher costs, fewer jobs, and less opportunity for families.

The Secretary of State’s office has issued warnings about text message scams posing as official notices from state agencies seeking personal information under false pretenses such as traffic fines or threats regarding vehicle registration status. Residents are advised not to respond or click links contained within suspicious messages since legitimate agency texts are limited only to appointment reminders.

Wilcox was elected as Republican senator representing Illinois’ 32nd District beginning in 2018 after succeeding Pamela Althoff.