Ventura-led grant program for planting native greenery signed into law

SPRINGFIELD - A measure led by State Senator Rachel Ventura providing grants to local governments for planting native trees and grasses in communities was signed into law by the governor Friday.

“Planting native greenery in local communities is a small step that can have a massive impact in combatting the catastrophic effects of climate change,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Responsible stewardship of the environment starts right in our own backyards.”

The bill expands on an earlier measure led by Ventura passed in 2024, Senate Bill 2781, which established the Healthy Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Act. That law allows for units of local government to submit their own grant proposal and receive funds to use for restoring degraded forest lands and native prairies and to promote the growth of native vegetation that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help mitigate the impact of climate change.

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Preston measure to protect children from social media harms signed by governor

SPRINGFIELD — A measure spearheaded by State Senator Willie Preston to protect children from harmful and addictive online practices has been signed into law, marking a major step toward improving digital safety for young people across Illinois.

“Parents shouldn’t have to fight an uphill battle to keep their children safe online,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “For too long, tech companies have put profits ahead of young people’s well-being. Families deserve clear information about how these platforms operate, stronger safeguards for kids and accountability when companies fail to protect them.”

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Koehler law to strengthen mental health reviews in nursing homes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 4509 designed to improve nursing home mental health evaluations has become law.

“Careful care of our most vulnerable population sends a clear message that even as you age, our state will allow you to do so with grace and dignity,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “This law ensures that those who are in nursing home care living with a serious mental illness receive the proper help and mental health review so they can return to a life of comfort without being a threat to those around them.”

The new law requires the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any individual admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission. It would also require a resident review within 72 hours when a resident with serious mental illness experiences a significant change in their physical or mental health.

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Cervantes law to boost quality of care at disability service agencies

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will address growing concerns regarding health care and disability service agencies being owned by private equity asset management companies.

“Our disability service systems must be accountable to the people they serve,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With more transparent information about agencies’ ownership, lawmakers and regulators will be in a stronger position to ensure our most vulnerable residents are protected from losing the services they need and can continue to lead fulfilling lives.”

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