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Lobbyists brief Kane County on data‑center rules, AI, housing and federal earmarks; county lands two seven‑figure earmarks
Summary
McGuireWoods lobbyists updated the committee on Springfield's session and federal activity: data centers and AI are high-profile topics, housing proposals could constrain local zoning, and Kane secured two FY26 earmarks totaling roughly $2.03 million for a forensics lab and State's Attorney technology upgrades.
County lobbyists from McGuireWoods told the Legislative Committee that data centers, artificial intelligence and housing supply will shape the remainder of the spring legislative session in Springfield.
"Data centers are a very hot topic," James Sherwood said, summarizing state negotiations over energy, water and generator reporting and noting differing House and Senate approaches to stakeholder engagement. He said the Senate plans a large subject-matter hearing while the House is assembling a stakeholder working group.
On artificial intelligence, lobbyists said both chambers are beginning hearings and working groups; a recent presidential executive order attempting to limit state AI rules was noted as part of the context. Kent Gaffney reviewed the governor's budget priorities and schedule, saying substantive bill deadlines fall in mid-April.
Clayton Cox, McGuireWoods's Washington lead, briefed the committee on federal appropriations. He said Kane County secured two large FY26 earmarks: $1,031,000 for a coroner's forensics laboratory upgrade and $1,000,000 for the State's Attorney's office technology modernization. "Those are larger earmarks than average," Cox said. He described a three-part federal strategy: defend existing funds, pursue earmarks and grants, and engage in policy conversations in Washington.
Committee members spent extensive time on solar siting and local control. Counsel and outside advocates said Illinois's 2023 solar amendments and a recent appellate decision (Equity Solar Illinois v. County of Grundy) have narrowed counties' discretion. County counsel noted efforts to introduce balancing legislation (House Bill 5477) that would seek limited carve-outs for economic corridors and reasonable setbacks.
Commissioners repeatedly emphasized a preference for retaining local land-use control and expressed concern about unfunded mandates. Members asked the lobbyist team to continue negotiations on behalf of the county and to monitor both state and municipal ordinance activity (for example, Aurora's proposed local data-center ordinance).
