Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Collins measure expands access to adult changing stations in public spaces

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers could soon have access to safe, accessible facilities under a measure sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“Too many families are forced to cut outings short or avoid public spaces altogether because appropriate facilities simply are not available,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps ensure individuals with disabilities can participate more fully in community life with dignity, safety and support they deserve.”

House Bill 4379 would expand Illinois’ Equitable Restrooms Act by requiring certain newly constructed public buildings and state-owned facilities to provide access to adult changing stations. Adult changing stations provide a safe, sanitary space for caregivers assisting older children and adults with disabilities who require personal care support.

Read more: Collins measure expands access to adult changing stations in public spaces

Fine calls for urgent action to confront impaired and extreme reckless driving

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is urging Illinois public safety agencies and community partners to take stronger, more coordinated action to address impaired driving, extreme reckless driving, dangerous social‑media‑driven stunts, and the deadly practice known as “ghosting.”

“The loss of life caused by reckless and impaired driving is not just tragic — it is shattering,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “Behind every statistic is a family whose world has been changed forever. This resolution is a call to confront the most dangerous driving behaviors with the seriousness they demand, and to do everything in our power to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak.” 

Read more: Fine calls for urgent action to confront impaired and extreme reckless driving

Villanueva measure to protect patients’ reproductive health records passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the importance of reproductive health data privacy for Illinois residents, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to directly combat continued attacks on bodily autonomy and keep reproductive data out of the wrong hands.

“The surest way Illinois can protect our residents and their reproductive records is by requiring health information exchanges to implement new policies that keep sensitive information out of bad actors’ hands,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Time and time again, since 2022 when Roe v. Wade was overturned, we have heard the stories of women across the United States living in fear after seeking abortion-related health care. We have a duty to ensure Illinoisans aren’t being persecuted just because their health records ended up in the wrong hands.”

Read more: Villanueva measure to protect patients’ reproductive health records passes Senate

Villanueva measure to expand in-state tuition at public institutions passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Graduating high school students may soon see more opportunities to attend Illinois’ public colleges and universities, thanks to a measure State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced out of the Senate that would expand in-state tuition rates to any individual who attended an Illinois high school for three years.

“If we want Illinois to be the best place to build a life, we cannot block already vulnerable groups from accessing affordable, quality higher education,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By allowing students who attended an Illinois high school for three years the opportunity to qualify for in-state tuition rates, we are sending a clear message that Illinois’ public higher education system will value equity, ensuring all students have the same opportunities to earn a college degree.”

Read more: Villanueva measure to expand in-state tuition at public institutions passes Senate