News Brief - May 14, 2026

State lawmakers are advancing a series of measures aimed at protecting Illinois consumers from rising insurance costs and quality-of-life impacts tied to major infrastructure growth. Senators Michael Hastings, Ram Villivalam, and Laura Murphy passed measures through the Senate addressing homeowners and auto insurance rate hikes, transparency and oversight, defensive driving incentives for seniors, and expanded sound insulation eligibility for residents near O’Hare and Midway airports.