SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Travis Weaver is pushing to repeal four tax measures approved by Illinois lawmakers earlier this year.
Weaver, a Republican who represents Illinois’ 93rd District, joined other House Republicans Thursday to criticize new taxes involving social media platforms, targeted advertising, sports wagering exchanges and fantasy sports.
Weaver has filed four bills seeking to repeal the measures. Illinois General Assembly records show the proposals were filed between August and September and remain in the House.
Weaver argues the taxes will provide little benefit to the state and could lead to additional costs through potential legal challenges.
“The entire point of taxes, literally the only reason they exist, is to raise money for the public good,” Weaver said, while arguing the new measures would instead cost the state money.
Weaver said he hopes the taxes are never collected and wants lawmakers to consider repealing them during the upcoming veto session.
At least one of Weaver’s claims about limited revenue needs additional context. Gov. JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2027 budget projected the social media platform fee alone would generate $200 million during its first year, with the money going to the state’s general funds to support K-12 education.
Weaver’s HB 5806 would repeal the social media tax, while HB 5807 would repeal the Targeted Advertising Services Tax Act. HB 5811 seeks to eliminate the exchange wager transaction tax, and HB 5814 targets provisions involving both exchange wagering and fantasy sports.
The four bills have been filed in the Illinois House but have not yet received a vote.
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