Halpin law to protect homeowners against unfair contractors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to guarantee attorney’s fees to defendants in a home repair or remodeling contract has been signed into law.

“Homeowners deserve fair compensation and quality representation if they have a genuine dispute and receive a favorable ruling,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law ensures a resident will have one less cost barrier to enforce their rights against a contractor.”

State law already required consumer contracts in cases under $10,000 to pay out attorney’s fees to a consumer if the consumer prevails in their action. This initiative will ensure that if a home repair and remodeling contract allows attorney’s fees, then the contract will permit the award of attorney’s fees to all parties in the contract.

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Seniors protected from deceptive practices under new Turner law

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance companies will no longer be able to solicit nursing home residents under a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Local nursing home residents had reached out saying they were being solicited to buy new insurance policies or change their current plans,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies.”

House Bill 1865 makes it illegal to solicit a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or someone over the age of 65 to purchase accident and health insurance unless the insurance company waits 48 hours before making any insurance-related changes and the individual is given the ability to opt out.

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Simmons Passes Law to Expand the Definition of Bicycles in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure bikes are properly defined in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law aligns the definition of bicycles in Illinois.

“As an avid bike rider myself, I know how many people use our pathways every day for work, exercise, and enjoyment,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When someone rides their bike in our communities, they can now be confident of their safety and legality.”

Simmons’ passed into law Senate Bill 2285, which expands the definition of bicycles to include low-speed electric bikes alongside any human-powered device, which will allow for expanded complete streets planning for all using bikes.

“This is a simple fix to the rules that will allow for more people to bike together and bike safely,” said Simmons.

Senate Bill 2285 was signed into law on Friday.

Retirement savings options expanded under Peters’ law

SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement will become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Our residents deserve retirement savings options that offer them greater flexibility and control while still prioritizing their financial security,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law does just that – empowering people to tailor their financial planning, addressing financial vulnerability and promoting equity in retirement savings.”

In 2015, the state created the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program to address the growing gap in retirement savings for Illinois workers. Nearly 40% of private sector workers in Illinois do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving many with no way to save for the future. Since its inception, the program has helped over 150,000 participants save more than $200 million for retirement, with more than 25,000 employers offering the program to their workers. 

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