Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Stadelman legislation cracks down on unfair rental broker fees

SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from unfair and excessive housing costs, State Senator Steve Stadelman is spearheading legislation that would prevent landlords from passing broker and leasing agent fees onto tenants.

“Renters are already facing significant upfront housing costs, and they should not be forced to pay broker fees for services hired by a landlord or property owner,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation creates a fairer and more transparent rental process by ensuring the party who hires the broker is responsible for paying that fee.”

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Collins measure to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct in schools passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced legislation to improve reporting requirements, reinforce professional boundaries between educators and students, and increase transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“Every student deserves to feel safe and supported at school,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure will strengthen safeguards for children by giving schools clearer expectations, stronger reporting tools and additional accountability measures designed to prevent misconduct before it occurs.” 

Read more: Collins measure to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct in schools passes committee

Simmons Advances Legislation to Provide Tenants with Right of First Refusal

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation that would provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase their property, specifically with a 90- day notice to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“As housing costs continue to rise and private equity gentrification continues to threaten communities like Edgewater, Rogers Park and all of Illinois, we need practical tools that help keep working families, seniors and long-time residents in the communities they call home,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements and a transparent acquisition process.”

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Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading sweeping legislation that would reform exclusionary zoning laws and open new pathways for affordable, diverse housing across the state.

“Underserved communities across Illinois have been bearing the weight of the housing crisis for years," said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 640 gives us the tools to build more housing in more places – and to do it in a way that is fair, transparent and enforceable.”

The measure would require local governments across Illinois to allow middle housing – such as duplexes, triplexes, and similar multi-unit buildings – in single-family zoning districts, while giving municipalities the option to set their own design standards – or default to state standards – governing things like building height, setbacks and lot coverage.

Read more: Hunter opens pathways to affordable, diverse housing opportunities