Villivalam law allows rideshare drivers to unionize

SPRINGFIELD ─ A new law championed by State Senator Ram Villivalam’s will allow rideshare drivers, such as those who drive for companies like Uber or Lyft, to unionize.

“Rideshare drivers are the back-bones of our communities, getting our neighbors to their job, school or doctors’ appointments,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “So many of our residents rely on rideshare drivers – meanwhile those driving are facing decreased wages, increased vehicle costs and unfair working conditions.”

Read more: Villivalam law allows rideshare drivers to unionize

Collins law expands access to adult changing stations in public spaces

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

“Many families find themselves without appropriate facilities in public spaces and are forced to cut outings short or skip them altogether,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law we can give those families the facilities needed to live in our communities and participate without additional stress of wondering whether facilities are available.”

Collins’ new law, House Bill 4379, will 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 law expands access to adult changing stations in public spaces

Vehicle law hampering Illinois farmers updated, thanks to Joyce

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize vehicle law to reflect the growth in agricultural technology, State Senator Patrick Joyce lead the effort to allow heavier farm wagons and similar agricultural equipment to qualify for existing code exemptions on the road.

“Times have been tough for farmers across the country,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We must continue to do whatever we can in Illinois to make our state farmer-friendly.”

Since 1979, agricultural technology has undergone a seismic shift, and vehicle codes have not evolved alongside the increasing scale and sophistication of modern machinery. Forty-six years ago, a harvest staple was the Brent 250, a reliable wagon with a 400-bushel capacity and a maximum weight of approximately 26,200 pounds. Today’s counterpart, the Brent 757, boasts a massive 750-bushel capacity with weights reaching 52,370 pounds. While modern units have integrated vital safety features like all-wheel braking and high-visibility lighting, the state’s regulatory framework has not been updated to reflect these increases in mass. This creates a disconnect where farmers operate 21st-century technology under laws designed for the significantly smaller equipment of the 1970s.

Read more: Vehicle law hampering Illinois farmers updated, thanks to Joyce

Hastings law cracks down on private influence of law firms

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings led the way on a new law to safeguard the professional independence of attorneys and protect clients from undue influence by private equity investors, hedge funds and investor‑backed management services organizations.

“This bill is about one simple truth: Illinois clients deserve attorneys who are loyal to them, not to some distant investor chasing a quarterly return,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).

While Illinois currently has laws limiting outside influence on law firms, private equity companies have found a new loophole using ‘management service organizations.’ Through MSOs, private equity can control key aspects of a law firm like billing, technology, marketing and administrative staff, enabling the control of firm strategy without technically owning the practice.

Read more: Hastings law cracks down on private influence of law firms