Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on previous school safety legislation by passing a measure that would enable the use of mobile panic alert systems in Illinois schools. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.

“With the use of innovative technology we can equip students and staff with the tools they need to feel safe and prepared,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Mobile panic systems provide a direct silent link to 911 dispatch and trigger a multi-sensory campus-wide notification in seconds.”

House Bill 5107 would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.

Read more: Hastings school safety measure “Alyssa’s Law” passes Senate

Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois would soon join a growing list of states that have expanded alternatives to traditional guardianship to maximize independence, thanks to legislation passed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“The goal is to prioritize an individual’s autonomy in making personal decisions about their own life.  Everyone has a right to self-determination when it comes to important life decisions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “By expanding this model of support, we are providing people with more control over their own decision-making.”

A supported decision-making agreement allows an individual to identify a supporter to help them interpret information, weigh options, and communicate their decisions about health care, life choices, and financial matters. This unique model fosters confidence and supports people’s ability to make informed decisions while maintaining autonomy.

Read more: Feigenholtz leads expansion of supported decision-making law

Senate Democrats advocate for expanded resource access for residents awaiting trial

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Senate Democrats joined the Illinois Network for Pretrial Fairness at a press conference at the State Capitol on Thursday to advocate for Senate Bill 4074, a measure that would help address the root causes of incarceration and prevent recidivism by providing individuals awaiting trial with access to essential social and community services.

“The Pretrial Success Grant Program puts resources directly into the communities where they're needed. It connects people released pretrial with system navigation, mental health and substance use services, transportation to court and child care,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “These are practical tools that help people show up, stay stable and move forward”

Senate Bill 4074 would allocate $15 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services to support funding the Pretrial Success Grant Program. The PSGP is a community-based network of care intended to help individuals awaiting trial navigate the legal system and obtain access to critical services like transportation, child care, mental health care, case management and substance use assessment and treatment.

Read more: Senate Democrats advocate for expanded resource access for residents awaiting trial

Ventura legislation on juvenile restorative justice programs heads to governor’s desk

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work to promote child-first policies, 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 Wednesday.

“This legislation reflects a child-first mindset, one that takes into account a child’s capacity for growth and need for support at critical stages in their development," said Ventura (D-Joliet). "It also moves us toward a restorative approach to justice, one that emphasizes real accountability, repair, and stronger outcomes for our communities.”

Read more: Ventura legislation on juvenile restorative justice programs heads to governor’s desk