MONTGOMERY, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, encourages constituents to take advantage of the upcoming Back to School state sales tax holiday, as well as local events and festivals, to make the most of the last days of summer.

“The sales tax holiday is not only beneficial for parents, but also for educators, administrators, and of course, students. We want everyone to start the year out with everything they need to be successful,” Hanson said. “Even the little things can make all the difference: a fresh set of pencils, a crisp notebook, a reliable pair of gym shoes. So do your shopping next week, save some money, and set yourself up for a new school year!”

Items in the state sales tax holiday include:

• Clothes and school uniforms,
• Shoes, boots, and sandals,
• Seasonal apparel, including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats and gloves,
• School and office supplies, including paper, pens and pencils, calculators, writing tablets,
• Backpacks and lunchboxes, and more.

The Back to School sales tax holiday starts on Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 16.

Hanson also looks forward to attending the last few summer events in the 83rd district, including North Aurora Days and Montgomery Fest:

• North Aurora Days are Aug. 7-8 at North Aurora Riverfront Park, with an ice cream eating contest, inflatables, fireworks and a community garage sale. 
• Montgomery Fest is Aug. 14-16 at Montgomery Park. The festival will have food vendors, carnival rides, a car show, live music and more. Hanson will be accompanied by Illinois Tollway’s I-PASS on Demand team and the Tollway Tykes program, so that attendees may conveniently update their accounts and acquire child ID cards, if needed.

“After you’ve done your back to school shopping, stop by one of our local events, grab a bite, and say hello. We are excited to see everyone at both North Aurora Days and Montgomery Fest. What better way to soak up this last bit of summer than with outdoor fun with neighbors and friends?” said Hanson.

MONTGOMERY, Ill. – Legislation regulating student use of wireless communication devices (namely, cell phones) during school hours, co-sponsored by state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“Illinois is one of only eight states without a statewide cell phone ban, and teachers have continuously reported issues with student distraction and disengagement,” said Hanson. “This legislation brings our state up to speed with the rest of the country, ensuring educational time remains educational. Our focus is on developing student involvement, critical thinking skills and peer-to-peer collaboration.”

Senate Bill 2427 requires Illinois school boards to establish a policy regulating the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. This does not include passing periods, lunch or recess. The bill defines a wireless communication device as a smart phone, personal computer, personal tablet, gaming device or a smartwatch. There are exceptions that can be made as well, especially when it comes to the health and wellbeing of students. Otherwise, instructional time in class must be free of wireless communication devices.

Teachers have cited the use of cell phones and other devices as major distractions during class, but concerns were also raised regarding safety. In the event of a crisis, students need to pay close attention to their teachers, not to their phones, which have the potential to unnecessarily escalate the situation.

“The goal of this new law is not to punish students for having phones; we know that smart devices are a part of daily life for many. Instead, we want to shift the focus from screens and social media, toward education and engagement in the classroom, while still prioritizing the health and safety of young students,” Hanson said.

Senate Bill 2427 was signed into law this morning. Wireless communication device policies will need to be in place by the 2027-2028 school year.

MONTGOMERY, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, secured over $682,000 in the state budget for five public libraries and seven school libraries in the 83rd district.

“Libraries remain a vital pillar of our community. They are not only hubs for reading and education, but also technology and innovation,” said Hanson. “These grants allow our libraries to continue operating as a safe haven for people of all ages, whether you’re there to pick up a good book, do some research, or attend an event.”

In the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget, over $27 million in grants were awarded to more than 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries across the state. These grants will be used to improve infrastructure, expand reading materials, advance technology, and support any and all programs that may be held at public or school libraries. Specifically, school libraries will use the grants to progress student literacy and educational opportunities for children of all ages.

“Especially in our rapidly advancing technological world, it’s important that young people are able to ground themselves through the resources libraries provide. Misinformation is abundant; having the tools to research and to think critically stem from literacy and education. I’m excited to see these grants go to so many libraries in the 83rd and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this support will have,” said Hanson.

In Hanson’s district, five public libraries and seven school districts received grants, including:
Aurora Public Library District $306,921
Batavia Public Library District $44,635
Batavia CUSD 101 $4,229
East Aurora CUSD 131 $10,160
Geneva Public Library District $55,744
Geneva CUSD 304 $4,284
Oswego CUSD 308 $14,220
Oswego Public Library District $119,863
St. Charles Public Library District $95,011
St. Charles CUSD 303 $9,908
West Aurora CUSD 129 $9,231

Yorkville CUSD 115 $5,937

​

MONTGOMERY, Ill. – Multiple affordability measures cracking down on hidden junk fees and price gouging schemes were signed into law yesterday, thanks to the work of state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery.

“With expenses already so high, it’s extremely important that when you go to make a purchase, you know exactly how much you’re paying. These hidden fees and unethical practices from businesses and retailers make budgeting impossible, placing a huge burden on the hard-working families in our state. These new laws intend to address these issues and put the consumer first,” said Hanson.

Often disguised as “convenience” or “processing” fees, hidden junk fees cost families around $3,000 every year, according to consumer reports, driving the affordability crisis and making everyday purchases more expensive.

Hanson worked to crack down on these hidden fees by supporting House Bill 228, which is now law. The measure requires businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price and gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees.

Hanson also worked to expand protections for people buying tickets to concerts, shows, and sporting events. House Bill 4984 prohibits resellers from offering the sale of tickets they do not actually possess. This law is a response to high-profile reports of abusive practices perpetrated by ticket resellers and AI-powered “bot farms” purchasing mass amounts of event tickets to be resold at two or three times the face value. Additionally, Hanson co-sponsored Senate Bill 318, which bans the use of bots to buy tickets in excess of posted limits of online ticket sales or to circumvent electronic queues and other waiting periods.

These measures are now law.

Montgomery, Ill. — A state budget focused on affordability is now law thanks to state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, who helped pass a balanced budget prioritizing direct relief for Illinoisans and investing in the resources Washington is trying to slash.

“With so much uncertainty at the federal level, safeguarding the crucial programs and services in our state was a top priority, along with providing financial relief for working families wherever possible. This new budget was crafted to meet the needs of Illinoisans without raising taxes and without putting other essential resources at risk. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on our communities,” said Hanson.

Hanson’s work this legislative session concluded in passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget that relieves the cost-of-living crisis while making key investments in food security and other state services at risk of federal funding losses or total elimination.

The budget takes a number of smart steps to help families make ends meet, including:

• • Nearly $100 million to help families afford groceries and put food on the table. As Washington slashes nutrition assistance for more than over 100,000 Illinoisans, Hanson’s budget includes a new FRESH Program, which provides a one-time credit of up to $500, giving families a lifeline while they work with providers to reactivate benefits. Additionally, the Hanson-backed budget expands free and reduced-cost school lunches ensuring children affected by SNAP cuts have a sustainable meal, and funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand access to fresh food in food deserts.
  • Making back-to-school shopping more affordable by cutting the state sales tax on clothes, supplies, and other essentials for students, families, and teachers beginning in August.

• Investing in public universities and community colleges through increased funding for MAP grants to help thousands of students access financial aid.
• Restoring property tax relief grants for schools so communities statewide can get relief.
• $500 million focused on affordable housing to meet the needs of working families who do not qualify for traditional assistance, but still face a significant lack of quality homes in their price range—a growing population known as the “missing middle.”

This budget keeps families safe and strengthens communities. As families face healthcare access threats like Medicaid cuts, the new state budget delivers full funding to maintain and operate critical safety-net hospitals, with an additional $10 million dedicated to support Federally Qualified Health Centers for the most vulnerable families. Public safety initiatives including homelessness prevention and community-based violence prevention will also receive full funding.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Illinois State Budget was signed into law Tuesday morning.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, wraps up this year’s spring legislative session by passing landmark legislation that moves Illinois forward and a responsible, balanced budget, without any extreme cuts or tax impositions on working families.

“We did a ton of great work in the General Assembly this year, especially when it comes to affordability for the hard-working people of Illinois,” said Hanson. “This new budget ensures that, despite decisions made in Washington, Illinois remains a stable, safe place to live. That means uplifting our communities and resources, while providing relief where we can.”

Hanson passed a compassionate state budget that aims to deliver where Washington isn’t. While the federal agenda seems set on raising prices and cutting essential programs, Hanson is prioritizing the needs of his community through…

• Greater food security resources for those affected by SNAP cuts.
• More accessible housing opportunities, including fully funding homelessness prevention.
• Healthcare access for our state’s most vulnerable by investing in federally-qualified health centers and safety net hospitals.
• Providing local governments and school districts with tools needed for property tax relief, including full funding for the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).
• Supporting a back-to-school sales tax holiday and investing in affordable school lunches.
• Pausing a new increase in the state gas tax that would have taken effect this summer.

Hanson also introduced, carried, and passed three bills focused on safety. House Bill 5489 expands mental health and substance use considerations for law enforcement when a minor is accused of domestic battery. House Bill 5081 allows local governments to lower speed limits in urban and residential areas, promoting safe driving and removing cost barriers. And House Bill 3743 requires Illinois school districts to provide rail safety information in the student handbook to help avoid train-related accidents.

In addition to his own legislation, Hanson co-sponsored, supported, and helped pass a number of significant reforms—from adding protections for neurodivergent individuals and healthcare professionals, to increasing artificial intelligence regulations, to preventing unfair home and auto insurance rate hikes. 

“Over the past five months, I have had countless conversations with my colleagues and

constituents, as well as expert witnesses and passionate advocates. Everyone is focused on delivering for the hard working people of Illinois, and what we have accomplished this year in session is a testament to that ideal,” said Hanson.

The Illinois spring legislative session concluded the morning of Monday, June 1.

​

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, introduced, supported and passed legislation that expands options for law enforcement when faced with juveniles accused of domestic abuse, battery or exploitation.

“When a minor is accused of domestic battery, the situation is going to be layered and complex. It’s important that our law enforcement officers have the right tools to proceed—ones that are not just comprehensive, but compassionate. Before making a decision, officers need to have an understanding of all relevant parties and the circumstances as a whole,” said Hanson. 

House Bill 5489 removes provisions requiring law enforcement officers to use the Adolescent Domestic Battery Typology (ADBT) tool when deciding whether or not to arrest a juvenile accused of domestic violence. The ADBT tool is a set series of questions to help an arresting officer decipher the risk level of a juvenile offender. While it can be effective in some circumstances, the ADBT tool does not consider mental health crises, trauma, intoxications or current events. This new bill reiterates that officers must consider all contributing factors when deciding how to proceed with the accused minor. 

“Juvenile offenses like domestic battery will follow the accused for the rest of their life. We want young people to thrive, but in order to do that, law enforcement needs to be able to accurately and effectively assess these complicated instances. It’s my hope that this bill will streamline the process and further protect young people in Illinois,” Hanson said.

House Bill 5489 is a result of advocate feedback on Hanson’s House Bill 3281, which was passed and signed into law last year. House Bill 3281 developed the ADBT tool.

After unanimously passing the House and the Senate, House Bill 5489 has been sent to the governor for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Prioritizing the safety of children and young drivers, state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, introduced, championed, and passed a bill requiring school districts to include railroad safety messaging in their respective handbooks.

“Young children and new drivers especially may not be aware of the dangers around railroad equipment,” Hanson said. “Accidents can happen very quickly. Similar to crossing a street, young people in Illinois need to know to stop, look, and listen. Trains travel in either direction, at any time, and sometimes after one train passes, another one follows. Children need to have access to this information for their own safety.”

House Bill 3743 requires school districts across the state to provide rail safety language in the student handbook. This new language includes information about existing laws on rail safety, best practices when walking or driving nearby or over train tracks, and other general advice to help avoid a train-related accident. For school districts that are not located near train tracks or feel railroad safety is not necessary to include in their handbook, they have the ability to opt out of the requirement.

“I know from my own experience how important railroad safety is. It’s my hope that, with this new legislation, we will be able to better communicate with children about the need for safety precautions and the increased risk around trains,” said Hanson.

House Bill 3743 passed both chambers and is headed to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to restore affordability for Illinois households, state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, is advancing a series of bills to the governor’s desk cutting costs on everyday purchases and utilities, banning gimmicks that raise prices, and requiring businesses to fairly compensate consumers.

“The rising cost of living has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds. We’re in the midst of a nationwide affordability crisis, and I’ve been hard at work with my colleagues in the House to provide relief whenever and wherever we can,” said Hanson. “Every day should not be this difficult. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these bills once they are signed into law.”

While federal policies and international instability are making everything more expensive, Hanson is taking charge of what Illinois can control, and championing policy to provide some immediate relief.

Hanson worked to pass the following cost-cutting measures:

• • House Bill 45: Expands access to savings by requiring retailers to honor all advertised sales or coupons, even if customers cannot access an app or operate digital coupons.
  • House Bill 228: Cracks down on junk fees and hidden costs by requiring businesses to disclose all mandatory fees and charges added on top of an advertised purchase price.
  • House Bill 4044: Strengthening consumer rights by banning no-return policies that limit customers to store credit for unused, unopened items for most purchases.
  • House Bill 4514: Allowing residents to voice opposition to general rate increases by requiring public utility companies fully inform residents of their rights prior to a rate proposal.

• House Bill 4248: Prohibits retailers from using AI algorithms to set different prices for consumers based on their personal data.

All five measures successfully advanced through House and Senate chambers. They await governor consideration before being signed into law.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Illinois taxpayers foot the fallout of Washington’s agenda that’s raised everyday prices, hindered trade and commerce nationwide, and threatened the erasure of constitutional rights, state Rep. Matt Hanson, D-Montgomery, is taking steps to secure direct property tax relief for Illinois working families, improve the state’s economy and enshrine fundamental rights in the State Constitution.  

“I’m very proud of the work we did in the House this week,” said Hanson. “Property taxes have been a major concern across the state. While everyday expenses keep increasing, we’re focused on providing relief in any way we can. I look forward to seeing how this new legislation can deliver for our community and all of Illinois.”

House Bill 910, backed by Hanson, delivers property tax relief to more communities by allowing local governments to negotiate Payments in Lieu of Taxation (PILOT) agreements for economic developments exceeding $100 million. In exchange for an agreed-upon assessment freeze, large developers would pay into the Illinois Property Tax Relief Fund, in which 60-percent of payments aid local homeowners, with the remaining 40-percent earmarked for homeowners statewide. Data centers are ineligible for these incentives.

Additionally, House Bill 910 allows for the reimagination of former undeveloped railyard sites and access to resources to create new tourism destinations in Illinois.

With potential threats from the U.S. Supreme Court to weaken essential elements of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, Hanson worked to pass House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 28 (HJRCA 28), enshrining equal protections into the State Constitution. The measure seeks to counteract nationwide gerrymandering schemes limiting minority representation and ensures that Illinois voices will never be silenced—reinforcing Illinoisans’ protection to vote for the candidate of their choice.

“Illinois is an extremely diverse state. People come here from all over the country and all over the world, to work, live and thrive. This federal administration wants to eradicate diversity in our state government, but with this amendment, we are protecting Illinois voices. It is essential to the legislative process that we represent all Illinoisans, especially minority communities, to ensure we are delivering for everyone,” said Hanson. 

Both House Bill 910 and HJRCA 28 will be brought to the Senate chamber for consideration.