Eye On Illinois: Getting a bill signed into law is only part of a lengthy process

As we continue rounding out the year with quick hits on laws taking effect Jan. 1, paging through the list provides three reminders:

One, anything the government creates it can also eliminate. Two, just because the General Assembly puts a plan into action doesn’t guarantee things will go through to completion. And three, it takes money to make things happen.

Senate Bill 2976 creates the State Historic Preservation Board, which is supposed to advise the Department of Natural Resources on protecting, conserving and managing state historic sites. But SB 3239 disbands the Health and Hazardous Substance Coordinating Council, an arm of the Department of Public Health. Neither those bodies nor bills are related, but it is nice to know it’s possible to disband something once it’s deemed irrelevant.

Keep in mind, if you hear lawmakers talking about the five new task forces they created this year, that SB 3174 extended the deadline for the Underground Railroad Task Force from July 31 to Dec. 31. Following up on the work of task forces has rarely been among the General Assembly’s strong suits.

Then there’s SB 3277, which creates a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Program intended to benefit both patients and doctors through awareness and information. That bill contains a three-word phrase essential to remember before praising elected officials: “subject to appropriations.”

Altogether, these tidbits send us into the new year with a lesson that turning bills into laws is only one step in a lengthy process. Money is usually required, and simply getting people talking about an issue is no guarantee those conversations will lead to action. Average taxpayers can play a role by attending meetings, reading minutes and requesting lawmakers provide updates.

Resolve anew to be informed and involved.

SET YOUR DVR: Illinois tourism officials had such a positive experience with the 2023 Rose Parade they returned in 2024 and will be back again tomorrow for 2025.

The parade theme is “Best Day Ever!” Our float, “Play Hooky in Illinois,” is the result of a partnership with Paramount Pictures. State tourism officials say the concept pays homage to the Von Steuben Day Parade scene from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and features the Wrigley Field marquee, the Federal Plaza “Flamingo” sculpture, skyscrapers and several nods to the classic film. Decatur native Brian Culbertson will perform “Danke Schoen” and “Twist & Shout,” while Tyler Langston, originally from Germantown Hills, will replicate Matthew Broderick’s iconic lip sync routine.

Does a parade float actually draw people to Illinois? There are no guarantees, but EnjoyIllinois.com is ready for the Bueller-curious with a special page dedicated to visiting nearly every accessible filming location – along with several other destinations worth experiencing as long as you’re in the area.

• Scott T. Holland writes about state government issues for Shaw Local News Network. Follow him on X @sth749. He can be reached at sholland@shawmedia.com.