Ventura measure to address student health insurance dependent coverage

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to expand access to health care while protecting affordability, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh passed House Bill 1577 through the Senate on Thursday.

The legislation, which clarifies university participation in Illinois’ dependent coverage law, ensures student health insurance plans remain affordable and sustainable for those who rely on them most.

“Expanding health care access must go hand in hand with protecting affordability,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation supports the intent of the original law while making sure we don't unintentionally burden students with higher premiums. We’re committed to building a more inclusive health care system — one that meets people where they are, including our students.”

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Villanueva expands reproductive health care access for college students

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students at public colleges and universities can access comprehensive reproductive health care, State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure expanding the availability of contraception and other essential services directly on campus.

“Students shouldn't have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This legislation ensures that young people — many away from home for the first time — can get the care they need directly on campus.”

Read more: Villanueva expands reproductive health care access for college students

Koehler bill ensuring parental access to student mental health records passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler to make certain that parents and guardians of students enrolled in special education programs have access to their children’s mental health records has passed the Illinois Senate.

“Parents need reliable access to critical information about their child’s mental health, especially when it comes to special education services,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Passing this bill gives families the tools they need to advocate for their child’s educational and emotional well-being effectively.”

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older would also have access to these records. This measure strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

Read more: Koehler bill ensuring parental access to student mental health records passes Senate

Villanueva leads measure to strengthen crime victims’ rights and prevent deceptive investigations

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

House Bill 3710 affirms that individuals who report being a crime victim have the right to be treated with fairness and respect, including during the investigatory stage. The bill would also prohibit the use of deception by law enforcement, defining it as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence.

Read more: Villanueva leads measure to strengthen crime victims’ rights and prevent deceptive investigations