HB3609

View on ILGA

THERMAL ENERGY NETWORKS

What this bill does

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Acts. Sets forth a statement of legislative findings and intent. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "thermal energy" and "thermal energy network". Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to initiate a proceeding within 6 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to support the development of pilot thermal energy networks. Provides that within 10 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act, every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility serving over 100,000 customers shall file with the Commission a petition seeking Commission-approval of at least one and no more than 3 proposed pilot thermal energy network projects. Requires every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility constructing or operating a Commission-approved pilot thermal energy network project to report to the Commission, on a quarterly basis and until completion of the pilot thermal energy network project, the status of each pilot thermal energy network project. Requires every gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility constructing or operating a Commission-approved pilot thermal energy network project to demonstrate that it has entered into a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization that is actively engaged in representing its employees. Requires the Commission to adopt specified rules within 4 years after the completion of the construction of all thermal energy network projects. Provides that a gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility required to develop a pilot thermal energy network project shall be permitted to recover all reasonable and prudently incurred costs associated with the development, construction, and operation of one or more pilot thermal energy network projects through general rates or through rates set in a Multi-Year Rate Plan. Effective immediately.

Sponsor: Ann M. Williams Chamber: House Introduced: 2025-02-07
Stuck
P(Advance)
17.1%
Chance it ever reaches a milestone (committee, floor, etc.). Not “next step.”
P(Law)
0.0%
Chance it becomes law given where it is now (stage, momentum).
Forecast
2.1%
Low P(law) at intro — sponsor & topic only; no progress or delay.
Confidence: 83%

Calculating prediction drivers...

Pipeline Progress

Current stage: Floor Vote · Last action 456 days ago · STAGNANT

How does a bill become law in Illinois?
  1. Introduction of Bill

    A member of the Senate or the House introduces a bill, which is assigned a unique identifying number (e.g., "H.B. ___" for House bills and "S.B. ___" for Senate bills). If not enacted, it must be reintroduced in the next General Assembly with a new number.

  2. Committee Work — Hearings

    The bill goes to the appropriate committee, which holds hearings to gather expert opinions and determine the need for the legislation.

  3. Committee Work — Markup, Amendments, Report

    The committee may make amendments to the bill. If approved, a committee report endorsing the bill is issued.

  4. Floor Debate

    The bill is debated and can be further amended. The debate transcripts are accessible online for public viewing.

  5. Passage and Consideration in Second Chamber

    If the bill passes in the first chamber, it moves to the second chamber for a similar review process. If both chambers approve, it goes to the governor.

  6. Gubernatorial Action

    The governor can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action (resulting in an automatic law after 60 days). The type of veto can be total or amendatory. Once signed, the bill becomes a Public Act and is assigned a Public Act number.

Sponsor Context

Public Engagement

131 witness slips filed 129 proponents / 2 opponents 44 organizations

Witness slips

131 slips filed. Proponent / opponent / no position as filed with the committee.

Name Organization Representing Position Hearing committee Hearing date
Abhinav Anne Climate Reality Chicago Climate Reality Chicago Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Adelaide Zwick Climate Cabinet Action Climate Cabinet Action Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Amy Rosenthal None Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Andrew Fisher self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Anthony D Rossi Government Navigation Group Geothermal Exchange Organization Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Arianna Vranas Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Art Spooner Interfaith Green Network Volunteer Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Ava Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Barbara Cooper self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Barbara McKasson Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Ben Almassi Governors State University self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Benjamin Nagy SELF SELF Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Blake Andonov Illinois Environmental Council Illinois Environmental Council Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Candace Colby Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Carol Juen Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Caroline Wooten self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Catherine Mc Donald self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Chris Krusa Sierra Club self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Christine Favilla self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Clayton Miller Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Cynthia Linton Self Climate Reality Project - Chicago Chapter Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Cynthia Linton Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
David Teeghman Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Deborah Halpern self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Deborah Patton NA NA Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Derek Eder Oak Park Climate Action Network Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Diane Fager retired Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Don Wedd Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Donald Oplt self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Dorelle Ackermann INDIVIDUAL SELF Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Douglas Ower self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Elaine Nekritz Nekritz Amdor Andersson Group Elevate Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Elizabeth Emiliano self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Emily Louise Sharrow self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Emrys Brandt Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Flora Negretti SSI Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Frank Avellone none Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Gail Cohen Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Geoff Guy self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Greer Blake DuBois Self-employed Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Hannah Lee Flath Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Helen von den Steinen none self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Hillary J Colby NA Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Isabel Ryde Self Proponent Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Iyana Simba Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jackie McGrath None Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jacob Schneyer None Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
James Schwartz Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jane Cogie Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jason Han self No Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jean Sellar Sierra Club Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jeremy Fischer Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Jim Chilsen NA Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Joan Elizabeth Steele Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Joe Duffy Climate Jobs Illinois Climate Jobs Illinois Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Joe Parsons ClimateMaster, Inc. Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
John Cruz-Barcenas Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
John Kavalunas self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
John Lowder Lowder Govermental Solutions International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Julia Utset Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kady McFadden McFadden Strategies Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kady McFadden McFadden Strategies, LLC Building Decarbonization Coalition Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Karen Daiter Cllimate Reality Project- Chicago Metro Chapter self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kathryn Balk NA self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kathryn Schummer The Climate Reality Project Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kavitha Chintam Vote Solar Vote Solar Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kay Ahaus Greater Highland Area Concerned Citizens Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Kenneth hultquist self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Laura Davis self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Laura Derks Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Laurel P Toussaint None Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Liliana Scales Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Lincoln Cohen Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Linda Dietiker-Yolo League of Women Voters self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Lucero Contreras GreenLatinos GreenLatinos Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Madeline Baum Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Madeline Semanisin Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Maggie Bowman self Edgewater Environmental Coalition Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Maria Peterson Retired Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Marina Minic Citizens Utility Board Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mark Burger Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mark Kraemer self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Marnelle Curtis self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mary Baker Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mary Elizabeth Penick self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mary Grose self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Matt Harvey self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Michelle G Taufmann self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Mike Gallagher NA Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Nick Bridge Nick Bridge Studio Oak Park Climate Action Network Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Nicole Saulsberry sierra club Illinois Sierra Club Illinois Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Nicole Stratman GreenBlue self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Pamela Tate The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Paul Berland Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Paul Rosenfeld Government Navigation Group Geothermal Exchange Organization Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Rachel Fredericks self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Rachel Siegel Illinois Beaver Alliance self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
raymond szumal individual Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Richard Stuckey Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Richard W Steger personal Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
ROGER FRASER self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Rosemary Heilemann self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Ryan Dougherty Geothermal Exchange Organization Geothermal Exchange Organization Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Ryan Wilmington Illinois Green Alliance IGA Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Samantha Iadanza Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Samarth Medakkar Advanced Energy United Advanced Energy United Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Sandy Crawford self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Sarah Fredericks Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Scott Allen Individual Individual Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Steffany Bahamon Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Stephanie Blumenthal self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Stuart Levy self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Susan Frailey Broxham Self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Thomas Coleman Climate Reality Chicago Metro Climate Reality Chicago Metro Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Thomas Siafa Jr none Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Toni Louise Oplt self Metro East Green Alliance Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Toni Louise Oplt self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Tracey McFadden Fox Valley Electric Auto Association Fox Valley Electric Auto Association Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Viktor Koves Self Self, ElectrifyChicago.net Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Virginia Woulfe-Beile self self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Wade Halva Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Wendy Greenhouse - Oak Park Climate Action Network Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
William Ahaus Greater Highland Area Concerned Citizens Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
William Arnold None Member of Oak Park Climate Action Network Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
William Koehl Self Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Xiao Wei Self Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
YAMI NEWELL Building Decarbonization Coalition Building Decarbonization Coalition Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Brian Leonard Ameren Illinois Ameren IL Opponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Vivian Anderson Illinois Energy Association IL Energy Association Opponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18
Benjamin Nagy SELF SELF Proponent Energy & Environment 2025-03-18

Roll-call votes

Total votes and outcome per event. Deciding vote = margin of 1; those voters on the winning side could have changed the outcome by flipping.

Date Chamber Type Description Yea Nay Present NV Outcome Margin Deciding voters
H Committee Energy & Environment 15 8 0 6 Passed 7

Action History

21 actions recorded. Last action: 2025-04-11 — Rule 19(a) / Re-referred toRules Committee. Each action's meaning and outcome signal are classified automatically.

2025-02-07 Introduction & Filing
Filed with the Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams House Rule 6(b)
Bill officially submitted to the House Clerk during the session.
2025-02-18 Introduction & Filing
First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38
Formal introduction — title read into the official record. Required procedural step; bill now exists in the system.
2025-02-18 Committee Assignment
Referred toRules Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a)
Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-03-04 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-03-04 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Jay Hoffman Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
Chief co-sponsor added.
2025-03-05 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Anne Stava Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-03-11 Committee Assignment
Assigned toEnergy & Environment Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b)
Sent to a substantive committee (e.g., Transportation, Revenue). This is where the bill gets a real hearing and evaluation.
2025-03-13 Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-13 Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred toRules Committee
[Amendment] Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-03-18 Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers toEnergy & Environment Committee
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-18 Amendment Actions
House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted inEnergy & Environment Committee; by Voice Vote
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-03-18 Committee Action Positive
Do Pass as Amended / Short DebateEnergy & Environment Committee; 015-008-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a)
Committee recommends passage. The most important positive gate — majority of bills never get here.
2025-03-19 Floor Process Positive
Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 4-4(7-8)/5-2; House Rule 31(8-9)/38/52
Bill placed on the Second Reading calendar. Positive — bill is queued for floor action.
2025-03-26 Floor Process Positive
Second Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b)/52(a)(1)
Bill reaches the floor amendment stage on Short Debate calendar. Major milestone — bill has passed committee and is on the floor.
2025-03-26 Floor Process Positive
Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate Rule 4-4(8)
Bill placed on the Third Reading calendar — queued for final vote.
2025-03-27 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Kelly M. Cassidy Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-08 Amendment Actions
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams
[Amendment] Amendment sub-action.
2025-04-08 Amendment Actions
House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred toRules Committee
[Amendment] Sent to a committee (usually Rules in the House, Assignments in the Senate). The gatekeeping step — Rules/Assignments decides which substantive committee hears the bill.
2025-04-09 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Camille Y. Lilly Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-09 Co-Sponsorship Mild +
Added Co-SponsorRep. Lilian Jiménez Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a)
A legislator adds their name as co-sponsor, signaling public support for the bill.
2025-04-11 Deadlines & Re-referrals Mild −
Rule 19(a) / Re-referred toRules Committee House Rule 19(a); Senate analog: Rule 3-9(a)
MISSED COMMITTEE DEADLINE — bill did not get a committee vote before the deadline and is re-referred to Rules/Assignments. The bill is NOT dead but faces an uphill battle to be reassigned. Most bills that hit Rule 19(a) do not advance.

All actions (table)

Date Chamber Action Category Signal
2025-02-07 House Filed with the Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams House Rule 6(b) Introduction & Filing
2025-02-18 House First Reading Senate Rule 5-1(d)/5-2; House Rule 37(d)/38 Introduction & Filing
2025-02-18 House Referred toRules Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(a) Committee Assignment
2025-03-04 House Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr. Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-03-04 House Added Chief Co-SponsorRep. Jay Hoffman Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-03-05 House Added Co-SponsorRep. Anne Stava Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-03-11 House Assigned toEnergy & Environment Committee Senate Rule 3-8(a); House Rule 18(b) Committee Assignment
2025-03-13 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams Amendment Actions
2025-03-13 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred toRules Committee Amendment Actions
2025-03-18 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers toEnergy & Environment Committee Amendment Actions
2025-03-18 House House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted inEnergy & Environment Committee; by Voice Vote Amendment Actions
2025-03-18 House Do Pass as Amended / Short DebateEnergy & Environment Committee; 015-008-000 Rule 3-11(a)(1), Rule 3-12(a) Committee Action Positive
2025-03-19 House Placed on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 4-4(7-8)/5-2; House Rule 31(8-9)/38/52 Floor Process Positive
2025-03-26 House Second Reading - Short Debate Senate Rule 3-12(a)/5-4(a); House Rule 24(a)/40(b)/52(a)(1) Floor Process Positive
2025-03-26 House Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate Rule 4-4(8) Floor Process Positive
2025-03-27 House Added Co-SponsorRep. Kelly M. Cassidy Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-04-08 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Filed with Clerk byRep. Ann M. Williams Amendment Actions
2025-04-08 House House Floor Amendment No. 2 Referred toRules Committee Amendment Actions
2025-04-09 House Added Co-SponsorRep. Camille Y. Lilly Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-04-09 House Added Co-SponsorRep. Lilian Jiménez Senate Rule 5-1(a); House Rule 37(a) Co-Sponsorship Mild +
2025-04-11 House Rule 19(a) / Re-referred toRules Committee House Rule 19(a); Senate analog: Rule 3-9(a) Deadlines & Re-referrals Mild −