Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois lawmakers did not pass the hemp regulations the governor wanted during their just-concluded lame duck session, but Tuesday’s final day of the 103rd General Assembly did see some other high-profile bills passed.

An eight-part omnibus energy bill awaits the governor’s action. It’s meant to account for increased demand from data centers in the state and accelerate the use of renewable energy.

“This is a small bill that’s just to correct a few items so that we will be able to have the power to meet the growing electric needs that we seem to have in this state,” said the House sponsor, Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston).

State Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) sees nothing small about it. “Our residents, especially our senior citizens and our businesses,” he said, “can’t afford another fifty percent jump in electric(ity rates) for us to keep paying for these wind turbines and solar panels.”

The governor’s signature would make “Karina’s Bill” law. Alleged domestic abusers would lose their weapons while an emergency order of protection is in effect. Abuse prevention advocates have been fighting for this for almost two years, but State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is opposed.

He said the bill “strips honest citizens of their due process rights. A petitioner can go to court, circumvent the state’s attorney, file for that order of protection, law enforcement kicks in somebody’s door, seizes their firearms, and they have no due process rights at all.”

The House also passed a bill allowing Illinoisans to change their name without publishing it in a newspaper. It’s meant to protect abuse victims and trans people, but opponents say it’s “a gift to criminals and illegal immigrants.”

“I’ve determined that we might be the most tone-deaf body in the history of civilization!” marveled State Rep. Blaine Wilhour.