Illinois news in brief: State police use grant money to recover 342 stolen vehicles; State launches Blue Envelope program; Treasurer: State returned $307.8 million in I-CASH

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

State police report hijacking and vehicle theft prevention results

Illinois State Police say grant funding helped the department recover 342 stolen or hijacked vehicles and make 28 related arrests from April through June of this year. ISP was awarded $637,500 in July 2025 from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. The grant followed previous awards of $10 million grant in the first fiscal year and another $677,000 in June 2024. ISP also seized ten firearms as a result of stolen or hijacked vehicle recovery.

State launches Blue Envelope program

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced the launch of a statewide Blue Envelope program. The voluntary initiative allows drivers, passengers or vehicle owners to keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance inside a distinctive blue envelope, serving as a visual cue that the individual may be neurodivergent or have autism spectrum disorder. Before House Bill 4472 cleared the chamber unanimously in April, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, said the Secretary of State’s office believe it could absorb the cost of the program within its existing budget.

Treasurer: State returned $307.8 million in I-CASH

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs says his office returned a record $307.8 million in missing money to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations through the I-CASH program during fiscal year 2026. The treasurer’s office is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property and is legally required to return unclaimed property to its owner or heirs. In fiscal year 2025, $303.8 million was returned to nearly 312,000 residents.