Illinois Lawmakers Advance Hundreds of Bills, Including Cell Phone Ban and Human Composting

Measures on abortion privacy, bereavement leave, and speed control devices also pass in Springfield

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:03pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting the Illinois state capitol building in fractured, overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the dynamic legislative activity in Springfield.Illinois lawmakers advance a slew of bills, from cell phone bans in schools to new options for human remains disposal.Springfield Today

The Illinois House and Senate approved hundreds of bills this week ahead of a Friday deadline, including a plan proposed by Gov. JB Pritzker to limit cell phones in schools and a bill allowing composting human remains. Lawmakers also passed different versions of a bill allowing the state treasurer to manage investments for nonprofits, as well as measures to increase privacy for abortion records, expand bereavement leave, and allow drivers with a suspended license to use a speed control device in their car.

Why it matters

These bills cover a wide range of policy areas that will impact Illinois residents, from education and the environment to worker rights and public safety. The cell phone ban in schools aims to address concerns about student distraction and mental health, while the human composting legislation responds to environmental considerations around traditional burial practices. The investment fund for nonprofits and the abortion privacy rules also reflect broader debates around the role of government and individual rights.

The details

The cell phone ban bill, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, would require Illinois school districts to prohibit student use of wireless devices like phones and tablets during school hours by the 2027-28 school year. It includes some exceptions, such as for educational purposes or medical needs. The human composting legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, would establish regulations for this burial alternative, though it faces opposition from some groups. Lawmakers also passed bills to allow the state treasurer to set up an investment fund for nonprofits, increase privacy protections for abortion records, expand bereavement leave, and create a program for drivers with suspended licenses to use speed control devices.

  • The cell phone ban bill must be implemented by the 2027-28 school year.
  • The human composting bill passed the House on April 19, 2026 and now heads to the Senate.

The players

Rep. Michelle Mussman

The Democratic state representative from Schaumburg who sponsored the cell phone ban bill.

Rep. Mary Beth Canty

The Democratic state representative from Arlington Heights who sponsored the human composting legislation.

Gov. JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who has been pushing for a cell phone ban in schools.

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs

The state treasurer who proposed the investment fund for nonprofits.

Rep. Rita Mayfield

The Democratic state representative from Gurnee who sponsored the bill to create the nonprofit investment fund.

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What they’re saying

“The research is clear: This constant source of distraction is lowering their academic progress, increasing anxiety, depression and cyber bullying, and inhibiting face-to-face communication at a critical time when youth are developing their social skills.”

— Rep. Michelle Mussman, Sponsor of cell phone ban bill

“This is a process that can help to alleviates some of the environmental concerns as it is net carbon neutral using one-eighth the energy of cremation and no harsh chemicals like things that we do in embalming.”

— Rep. Mary Beth Canty, Sponsor of human composting bill

“Some of these banks will not even provide loans, let alone investment opportunities, to these small entities because they just don't have enough money for them to where it would make sense.”

— Rep. Rita Mayfield, Sponsor of nonprofit investment fund bill

What’s next

The cell phone ban bill and human composting legislation must now pass the other chamber before heading to the governor's desk. The nonprofit investment fund bills will also need to be reconciled between the House and Senate versions.

The takeaway

This legislative session in Springfield has seen a flurry of activity on a diverse set of issues, reflecting the wide range of priorities and concerns facing Illinois lawmakers and residents. While not all of these bills may become law, they highlight the ongoing debates around education, the environment, worker rights, and the role of government in the state.