Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Illinois currently has approximately 200 youth in secure custody, with most released within six to eight months, highlighting the importance of maintaining continuity in oversight and care during and after their time in the system. To address this, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law to improve transparency and ensure better support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

“Every young person in our justice system deserves accountability, support and a clear path forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This law ensures courts remain informed while also making sure youth are supported through every step of their transition back into the community.”

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities was signed into law.

“Everyone in our state deserves the opportunity to earn a living and support their family,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Too many people are being shut out of good jobs because of requirements that have nothing to do with the work, and this measure will help change that.”

The legislation will prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to restrict the construction, operation and placement of federal immigration detention facilities to locations no closer than 1,500 feet from designated protected sites, including educational institutions, child care facilities, places of worship and private residences.

“We need to keep places where children and families gather safe from federal interference,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This law is Illinois telling the federal administration that we won't allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts has been signed into law.

“Too many families have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help ensure people know where to turn during a crisis and give our communities additional tools to bolster suicide prevention efforts.”

Senate Democrats secure back-to-school sales tax holiday

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue their efforts to improve affordability for all Illinois families by implementing a back-to-school state tax holiday. From Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, state sales tax on back-to-school necessities will be waived. By taking advantage of this ten-day initiative, parents and students alike can enter the school year confident, prepared, and well-equipped for the year ahead.

“For families already balancing the rising costs of everyday life, school supply expenses can add significant pressure to the household budget,” said State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Through the Back-to-School sales tax holiday, we are relieving some of that burden and giving parents a little more breathing room.”

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Domestic violence survivors have stronger protections under Johnson's law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law uplifts domestic violence survivors, addresses emerging forms of digital abuse and expands access to legal protections.

“Our laws must evolve to reflect the realities of the digital era and the way that technology can be used against domestic violence survivors,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Survivors deserve laws that prioritize their safety, privacy and peace of mind. We do this by strengthening our laws to ensure that survivors are protected from threats, stalking and intimidation in all forms including digital harassment.”

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Hastings landmark insurance reform signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings championed a law that will protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“For too long Illinoisans have been hit with rate increases that far outpace inflation and wage growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “From just 2021 to 2024, homeowners insurance costs in Illinois surged by nearly 50 percent, adding almost $1,000 a year to a typical family’s expenses.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to require athletic head coaches to learn life-saving techniques has been signed.

“Student athletes depend on coaches for not only leadership and guidance, but also safety during high-intensity activities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “CPR training equips coaches with the skills and confidence to act quickly in cardiac emergencies and protect the lives of those in their care.”

House Bill 3275 will require all paid school head coaches and chief sponsors of the sports activities to obtain training in CPR, first aid and the use of an AED. School districts will be required to conduct an annual cardiac response drill to practice the steps established in its cardiac emergency response plan. The drills are able to be conducted without student participation.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is taking on women's health care gaps — having led newly signed legislation to expand menopause treatment access and crack down on workplace discrimination against those dealing with related conditions.

“Illinois should be a leader in caring for women going through perimenopause and menopause — and that means removing the obstacles that have held too many back from getting help,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Requiring private insurance to cover these evaluations and treatments will make care more affordable and help prevent serious long-term health issues.”

Under previous law, Illinois required insurance coverage for FDA-approved menopause treatment to ensure a person’s income does not obstruct them from receiving sufficient care. Lightford’s new law will broaden coverage requirements, mandating private health plans in the state cover the medically necessary evaluation and treatment of menopause and perimenopause conditions, including hormone conditions and medications.