Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

February 9, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, has proposed legislation to impose a 10-cent fee on carryout bags at retail establishments, effective Jan. 1.

House Bill 5112 would also increase the tax by 5 cents every year until the fee is 25 cents per bag. The fee would apply to any kind of bag.

HB 5112 would also ban retailers from using plastic bags for delivering goods to consumers.

KANSAS MAN ARRESTED AFTER HIGHWAY SHOOTING IN ILLINOIS

Illinois State Police special agents have arrested a Wichita, Kansas man after a pursuit involving multiple vehicles allegedly being shot at.

ISP says Drew D. Smading, 33, fired a weapon at a vehicle on Highway 13 near Lenzburg on Friday and then fired at four other vehicles before crashing near Sparta.

TAX PREP ASSISTANCE OFFERED

State government officials say free tax preparation help is available for low-to-moderate income families and older adults filing their 2025 income taxes.

The Internal Revenue Service, American Association of Retired Persons’ Foundation Tax-Aide Program, the Ladder Up Tax Assistance Program and the GetYourRefund Program provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in select locations statewide.

Taxpayers can learn more about free tax assistance by visiting IDOR’s website.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Chicago aldermen latest calling for US attorney's ouster over 'Broadview Six' case

Chicago aldermen latest calling for US attorney’s ouster over ‘Broadview Six’ case

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A federal prosecutor in Illinois is facing additional calls for his resignation this week by public officials,...
Trump demands Republicans attach voter ID bill to $350 billion for Pentagon

Trump demands Republicans attach voter ID bill to $350 billion for Pentagon

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square As congressional Republicans recuperate from weeks of disrupted work, President Donald Trump is doubling down on two policy goals consider long-shots by observers: an extra...
Appeals court hears arguments in religous contraception case

Appeals court hears arguments in religous contraception case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit weighed arguments on Tuesday over mandating religious organizations who object to provide access to contraceptives through...
Illinois Quick Hits: New round of EV charging funds announced

Illinois Quick Hits: New round of EV charging funds announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Transportation says about $30 million of funding is available for new electric vehicle...
Arrests made during operation targeting India-based gangs

Arrests made during operation targeting India-based gangs

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square An international crackdown on India-based organized crime gangs has resulted in 24 arrests in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Eleven of the defendants are in...
Seven more counties consider separation, creating new state

Seven more counties consider separation, creating new state

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square0 – Voters in seven Illinois counties have a chance to join 33 others that approved referendums to consider...
DHS: Minnesota pardon could 'thwart' deportation of criminal illegal

DHS: Minnesota pardon could ‘thwart’ deportation of criminal illegal

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is criticizing Minnesota’s Board of Pardons after it issued a pardon for a criminal illegal immigrant ahead of his...
Democratic attorneys general oppose latest round of tariffs

Democratic attorneys general oppose latest round of tariffs

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square California Attorney General Rob Bonta is co-leading a coalition to oppose the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974....
Top Democrats pressure Platner to drop Senate bid

Top Democrats pressure Platner to drop Senate bid

By Chris WadeThe Center Square Top Democrats are breaking their silence on Maine U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner, calling on him to drop out of the race in response to...
Parents applaud denial of child app purchases case

Parents applaud denial of child app purchases case

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Parental rights organizations applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to withhold blocking a Texas law preventing minors from making app store purchases. Justices on the...
Taxpayer abortion funding resumes with legislation expiring on July 4

Taxpayer abortion funding resumes with legislation expiring on July 4

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square Abortion is once again funded with federal tax dollars through Medicaid, as the legislation preventing taxpayers’ money from such a use expired on the 250th...
Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor touts True Value move from Illinois

Illinois Quick Hits: Indiana governor touts True Value move from Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Do it Best Group says relocating its True Value hardware headquarters from Chicago to Do It Best’s...

Dem leaders want transparency, unsure if ethics report will be released

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After state Rep. Harry Benton stepped down from his seat after findings in an ethics investigation, top...
Social Security Admin to fast-track Trump Account enrollment for eligible kids

Social Security Admin to fast-track Trump Account enrollment for eligible kids

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square The Treasury Department may be doing the heavy lifting when it comes to Trump Accounts, but the Social Security Administration is also working to ensure...
Flash index shows rising tax receipts in Illinois

Flash index shows rising tax receipts in Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois income tax and sales tax receipts are up for the fiscal year that ended on June...