Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

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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Villivalam law sets guardrails on auto insurance rate increases

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that regulates auto insurance premiums in Illinois.

“Auto insurance are one of the most costly bills a consumer can pay – but people who rely on their car to get them to work, school and appointments can’t simply go without coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s time we hold auto insurers accountable and implement policies that prevent unpredictable premium increases on working-class families.”

According to Insurify, the average Illinois driver saw an 18% increase in premiums costs for full-coverage auto insurance between 2023 and 2024, while the national average is estimated to be 11.3% ─ almost 7% lower.
To ensure a fair and affordable auto insurance marketplace for Illinoisans, the law provides transparency and accountability as it relates to premium increases through a clear framework, oversight from the Illinois Department of Insurance and expanded options for residents over age 55 to reduce insurance premium costs.

Specifically, the law prohibits companies from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 30 days prior to renewal. It also prohibits auto insurance premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory and creates a determination hearing process through the Department of Insurance if it finds rates are excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.

Additionally, the law secures a path to relief for residents over age 55 by allowing the Illinois Secretary of State to find a course that meets or exceeds the standards of the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course's four-hour classroom safety instruction program so residents see reduced premium costs upon completion of the course.

“For years, Illinois drivers have been forced to accept steep insurance rate increases with virtually no oversight and no recourse,” Giannoulias said. “Today, that changes – and it’s because thousands of Illinoisans spoke out, shared their stories and demanded a fairer system. This law puts consumers first by giving Illinois the authority to challenge excessive rate hikes – increasing transparency in the insurance marketplace and ensuring drivers are no longer left paying the price.”

“By regulating auto insurance rate increases, we are ensuring affordable, accessible transportation options for our neighbors while we combat the increasing cost of living,” said Villivalam.

Senate Bill 714 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect July 1, 2027.

Villivalam law secures mental health support for educational staff

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam led a new law that will ensure mental health support for educational staff – tackling the ongoing mental health crisis.

“Everyone deserves access to mental health care – including educational staff,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Education staff need additional support and access to resources to receive the care they deserve. It’s time we step up and break down barriers to access to quality, compassionate mental health care.”

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Ellman law to expand rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention

SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to champion a new law, Senate Bill 3333.

“There are few greater contributions to society than empowering people through education and my hope is to see more opportunities being created to reduce recidivism and improve public safety in the long run,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “While Illinois is a leading state in creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals, we still have many avenues we can improve.”

Read more: Ellman law to expand rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention