ISDC

Holmes measure updates prosecutors’ options to charge phone and electronic harassment offenders

Details: Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 05:32 PM

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment are seeing options to update the law to reflect today’s technology. State Senator Linda Holmes filed legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in present day.

“The means to harass someone continues to expand from phones to electronic devices, offering platforms on which to send demeaning, frightening messages,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Emails, social media, forums and gaming are being used by those intending to cause emotional distress to the recipient, so laws need to be amended to address each offense separately.”

Turner celebrates Illinois’ agriculture industry

Details: Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 05:28 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner celebrated the 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, highlighting the importance of supporting farmers and the state’s agricultural industry.

“Illinois' agriculture industry is one of the driving forces for our state and plays a role in almost everything we do,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It drives jobs, exports and innovation. Agriculture is an essential and legacy industry to Illinois that powers our state’s economy.”

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus releases statement on Cesar Chavez allegations

Details: Published: Monday, March 23, 2026 11:54 AM

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus released the following statement in response to the recent allegations of sexual assault and abuse involving the late Cesar Chavez:

“We are deeply disturbed by the allegations of sexual assault and abuse against Cesar Chavez, as brought forward by Dolores Huerta, Debra Rojas and Ana Murguia. The accounts described are appalling. The patterns of coercion and manipulation used against women and girls over many years are unacceptable and deeply troubling. Dismantling this culture of abuse against women is exactly the work we are committed to doing every day. Our message is clear: there is no place in this movement for the abuse, exploitation, or coercion of power.

Sims applauds record-breaking investments made by film industry in Illinois

Details: Published: Thursday, March 19, 2026 04:15 PM

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced film production expenditures in Illinois reached a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, thanks to expanded incentives and workforce investments. This effort, which supported an estimated 18,000 in industry hires for the year, represents a 25% increase in film expenditures since 2019.

“The success of the Illinois film sector is a testament to the importance of strategic investments in the state's creative industries,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This most recent expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit will increase job opportunities while bolstering our local economy throughout the state.”

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Porfirio resolution honors U.S. Marine Corps

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio led a resolution to honor the U.S. Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. “Since its creation, the Marine Corps has played a key role in protecting and safeguarding the security and fr...

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Hastings: Freedom is never free

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a resolution to honor the United States Marine Corps through renaming a portion of Interstate Route 80. Hastings, who served as a U.S. Army officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, rose in supp...

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Jones honors fallen state trooper with memorial highway

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III successfully led a resolution to rename a portion of I-55 in honor of late State Trooper Clay M. Carns. “Trooper Carns died doing the same thing he had done every day for 11 years – diligently and faithfully...

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Johnson declares Menopause Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – To bring awareness to a condition that will be faced by more than half of all Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare Oct. 11-17, 2026 Menopause Awareness Week. “Highlighting menopause is vital to gua...

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Morrison champions resolution declaring September 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month

DEERFIELD — Bringing awareness to genetic disorders, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a resolution in the Senate declaring September 2026 as Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in Illinois. “Muscular Dystrophy is a group of progressive and dege...

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