SPRINGFIELD – In response to increases in bullying incidents using artificial intelligence and altered images, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced legislation out of the Senate that adds to the definition of cyberbullying and addresses artificial intelligence content in the school code.

“Many people are using AI to produce harmful materials, which has led to a whole new level of cyberbullying,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We cannot let our laws fall behind technology. This legislation helps our state meet current challenges and ensures bullying via AI is addressed in the school code.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler has led a resolution urging Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturing industries to establish a task force to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and growth.

“Manufacturers are essential to our economy and job creation across Illinois,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “By forming this industry-led task force, we give businesses the opportunity to shape solutions that directly address their needs, boosting their ability to thrive and expand.”

The resolution, initiated by the Technology & Manufacturing Association, seeks to empower manufacturers to identify regulatory barriers and propose legislative solutions. The TMA previously advocated for reducing regulatory burdens but highlighted challenges in pinpointing specific regulations hindering industry growth.

SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness and improve understanding of a rare but life-altering condition, State Senator Adriane Johnson presented a resolution to the Senate declaring September 2025 as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois.

“Scarring alopecia is more than just hair loss — it’s a permanent, often painful condition that deeply impacts people’s physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By naming September as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on this condition and supporting those who live with it.”

SPRINGFIELD – To address alarming rates of mental health conditions among college-aged individuals, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure students can access mental health services through their college or university.

“More and more young people are struggling with a mental health condition, putting their lives at risk especially when they are far from home or feel like they don’t have a support system,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “At a time when mental health providers are scarce and students need a safety net to rely on, it is important that public educational institutions are equipped to provide critical services to ensure the safety and success of their students.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino championed a measure to fortify representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings following reports of rampant immigration enforcement and alleged due process violations.

“As immigrant communities are grappling with shifting federal policies, we must adapt to ensure there is no lapse in access to counsel,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Families deserve to know that this resource is available and reliable despite changes happening at the federal level.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“This bill is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As someone who received a lifesaving kidney transplant, I know firsthand how life-changing and life-saving these donations are. We should be removing barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.”

SPRINGFIELD —Seeking to ensure greater fairness and dignity in access to life insurance, State Senator Adriane Johnson champions legislation that would prohibit insurers from denying final expense life insurance coverage solely because an applicant has a past felony conviction.

“No one should be denied the ability to plan for the future because of a past mistake,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “People who have served their time deserve the opportunity to protect their loved ones from the financial burdens that come with end-of-life costs.”

House Bill 2425 would prohibit companies offering final expense life insurance policies from refusing to insure someone, limiting their coverage, or charging higher rates solely based on a felony conviction. The bill makes clear that this protection does not extend to individuals who are currently incarcerated.