Sims law protects incarcerated individuals’ connections with family, loved ones

SPRINGFIELD — A measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that was signed into law Friday creates financial guardrails to ensure the criminal justice system supports family connections instead of restricting them.

“Mail correspondence is a vital – and often cost-effective – lifeline,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When families already spend thousands just to stay in touch with an incarcerated loved one, they shouldn’t face yet another cost barrier to staying connected.”

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Stadelman laws strengthen ticket buyer protections

SPRINGFIELD – Two measures championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to protect consumers and promote a fairer, more transparent ticket resale marketplace were signed into law Thursday, banning the practice of speculative ticket sales in Illinois and helping ensure fairer access to event tickets by cracking down on automated bots and deceptive online resale practices.

“When consumers purchase a ticket, they should have confidence that the seller actually possesses it and can deliver it,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “House Bill 4984 protects fans from deceptive practices, promotes transparency in the resale marketplace and helps ensure Illinois consumers are treated fairly.”

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Aquino law bans ‘junk’ fees in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Following years of advocacy, State Senator Omar Aquino’s initiative to ban junk fees in Illinois was signed into law to protect consumers and increase transparency.

“Our state is facing unprecedented challenges due to devastating cuts from the federal spending plan under H.R. 1,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Banning junk fees is part of a broader effort to alleviate some of the financial pressure on Illinois families while our state continues to confront a national affordability crisis.”

House Bill 228 will make it unlawful for any business to advertise, display or offer a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes.

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Hastings’ new law provides oversight of predatory Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois consumers have seen that a rapid expansion of Buy-Now-Pay-Later loan services may seem convenient at first, but they can carry hidden costs, unexpected fees and financial risks that often go unnoticed until it is too late. In response, State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a law enforcing stronger oversight of these predatory programs.

“This industry has grown so fast over such a short period of time,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We are now to a point where Buy-Now-Pay-Later programs are operating like it’s the Wild West.”

Hastings’ new law will require BNPL lenders to register with the state and provide full disclosures about repayment terms, interest rates and potential fees while maintaining fair and transparent dispute or refund processes. The law will also ensure consumers understand the total cost of borrowing and can make informed financial decisions.

Read more: Hastings’ new law provides oversight of predatory Buy-Now-Pay-Later loans