Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Turner works to strengthen school policies for students with service animals

SPRINGFIELD – To support all students, no matter their needs, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate to strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“We need to make sure students with service animals don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

Read more: Turner works to strengthen school policies for students with service animals

Hastings: ‘Storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation through the Senate aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“In light of some tragic storms in the area, we need to protect Illinois’ residents,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “There were people in Kankakee County who lost everything and not even a full day later they had contractors showing up trying to make a deal on-the-spot. After what we saw in Kankakee, these ‘storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3029 would prohibit a contractor from offering home repair or remodeling services while a loss-producing event, such as a fire or storm, is occurring at the premises; while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the premises; or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The measure would still allow consumers to initiate solicitation with contractors during these scenarios. 

Read more: Hastings: ‘Storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois

Suicide prevention awareness and education expansion passed Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state passed the Senate.

“This legislation strengthens access to support for individuals facing a mental health crisis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will also give students tools and lessons to understand their feelings and know where to turn for help.”

Belt’s measure would require numerous public buildings across Illinois to visibly post contact information for the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, ensuring residents know immediate help is available. The legislation would also expand comprehensive health education for students in grades 6 through 12 by integrating evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum, as well as strengthen reentry support by requiring the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide suicide prevention resources to individuals preparing for release.

“With suicide ranking among the leading causes of death for our youth, Illinois must act boldly,” said Tammy Bush, President of Tam’s Beautiful Butterflies. “Visibility saves lives, and education prevents tragedy.”

Senate Bill 2771 passed the full Senate on Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.

Halpin bill to address untethered dog offenses passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to ensure pet’s basic needs are met if an owner has been arrested for an untethered animal has passed the Senate.

“Healthy and happy pets can contribute positively to the mental health and wellbeing of their owner and their community,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “But if something goes wrong and a pet is mistreated, we need to make sure the law allows for proper care of the animal while the owner is in the trial process.”

Read more: Halpin bill to address untethered dog offenses passes Senate