Legislative leaders circle top priorities ahead of veto session
(The Center Square) – A panel of state legislators Monday offered a preview of the priority issues they hope to address during the upcoming fall veto session and lame-duck session before the next term of the General Assembly begins in January. DATA CENTER REGULATIONS A top priority for lawmakers in both chambers and from both parties is passing some form of legislation that would regulate data centers – particularly ones known as “hyperscale” data centers, which are often used by AI companies and are significantly more strenuous on things like public utilities and water. Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, explained that she and her colleagues want a bill that addresses the polarizing projects that addresses a number of issues, and that ties local property tax relief directly to new projects. “We agree there needs to be a regulatory framework in place looking at water – regulating how much water is used, how it's used, transparency, ethics, all of those things. And then also, most importantly is the power that goes along with it,” Rezin said. As for the Democratic side, Rep. Edgar González Jr., D-Chicago, said he thinks the previously considered POWER Act just has parts that “need to be tinkered
