North Cook News

State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) announced that two bills he sponsored, House Bill 1502 and House Bill 1648, have been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. The new laws will take effect on January 1, 2026.

House Bill 1502 updates traffic safety enforcement near O’Hare International Airport. It shifts the responsibility for enforcement from the Illinois Toll Highway Authority to the Illinois State Police. The State Police will now manage automated traffic safety systems and issue violation notices for vehicles that stop or stand in restricted areas within a half-mile of key locations around the airport. The bill also allows the use of existing infrastructure for enforcement equipment and gives the State Police authority to create rules for carrying out these changes.

“With HB 1502, we are delivering a streamlined, smarter enforcement framework that relies on the Illinois State Police’s expertise to better protect our motorists around O’Hare,” said Stephens. “With this bill, we can begin to properly utilize modern systems and the right agency to keep traffic moving safely.”

House Bill 1648 aims to protect pensions for downstate firefighters by prohibiting transfers or assignments of benefits through arrangements such as mortgages. However, it makes an exception so firefighters and retirees can choose to direct their monthly pension payments to fire service organizations for uses like hospitalization insurance or association dues.

“HB 1648 fortifies the financial security of our firefighters by keeping their hard-earned pensions protected from predatory practices, while still honoring those who wish to support fire service organizations,” Stephens said. “This is about respect and protection for the people who risk everything for our safety.”

Stephens stated that both measures address important needs for residents in his district and throughout Illinois.

“Whether it’s making travel safer around O’Hare or protecting the financial well-being of our firefighters, these bills are about practical, common-sense solutions that improve people’s lives throughout Illinois,” said Stephens.

Stephens was elected as a Republican representative in 2019 to serve Illinois' 20th House District after replacing Michael P. McAuliffe.