SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the way to ensure families who live near O’Hare and Midway airports are eligible for sound insulation programs through new legislation.
“As the O’Hare Airport Modernization Program moves forward, we cannot allow residents who are being disturbed by airport noise to slip through the cracks when they need us,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This legislation ensures that we use updated data to provide accurate coverage of the sound insulation program to residents who need it.”
Read more: Murphy advances bill to keep airport sound insulation program updated

SPRINGFIELD – In Feb. 2025, a whistleblower came forward sharing pictures and describing a gruesome scene at Crown Cremations and Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights ─ prompting an investigation from the Office of the Comptroller that discovered the crematorium improperly stored over 100 bodies. In response, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a bill through committee that would expand the Comptroller’s powers to investigate crematory’s operations.
“When we send our loved ones to be cremated or buried, it is a very sacred task,” said State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “With this legislation we are empowering the Comptroller’s Office to ensure the best practices are followed within the funeral industry.”
Read more: Joyce advances bill to protect crematory operating standards
SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work to promote policies of rehabilitation, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a bill that would give courts more flexibility in advocating for restorative justice programs for young people through the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.
“This legislation moves us toward a restorative approach, one that emphasizes real accountability, repair, and stronger outcomes for our communities," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "It also reflects a child-first mindset, recognizing that young people have the capacity to grow and should be met with responses that prioritize that potential.”
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is working to improve oversight and follow-up care for nursing home residents living with serious mental illnesses.
“For residents, it should be a guarantee that timely and thoughtful care responds to their needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This bill helps make sure people living with serious mental illness receive follow-up reviews sooner, and that important decisions are made without conflicts of interest.”
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