Ellman to strengthen Illinois gun safety standards

SPRINGFIELD — For far too long, unsecured firearms in homes have led to devastating and preventable tragedies, especially among children and teenagers. In response to this ongoing crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a critical public safety measure to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are securely stored and kept out of the hands of minors and individuals at risk. Senate Bill 8, which passed the Senate on Thursday, would strengthen Illinois’ safe storage laws and expand protections to help keep guns out of the hands of children, at-risk individuals, and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Studies show that unsecured firearms, along with lost or stolen guns, are major contributors to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in three-fourths of school shootings, the shooter obtained the firearm from a parent or relative. Alarmingly, 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

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Simmons bill to remove barriers to housing passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is continuing his push to remove barriers to accessing housing and state resources for unhoused Illinoisans.

“Unhoused individuals often have no form of legal identification, affecting their housing, job prospects, transit options and more,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “To get an identification card, these individuals are required to have a signature from a notary, which comes at a cost. This legislation will ease the requirements to make the whole process easier.”

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Halpin combats plastic pollution

SPRINGFIELD – Single-use plastics account for up to 40% of plastic produced every year – with many of those products persisting in the environment for hundreds of years. State Senator Mike Halpin is working to combat that pollution through a resolution he spearheaded.  

“The fight against plastic pollution will take every one of us to win, from our state government to everyday Illinoisans,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This is one step forward on the path to a cleaner, healthier Illinois.”

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Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the devastating impact of parental alienation on families across Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura successfully advanced Senate Resolution 66, declaring April 25, 2025 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day in the state. The resolution aims to increase understanding, promote prevention and encourage intervention efforts to support healthy family relationships.

“The emotional and psychological toll of parental alienation can have lasting effects on children,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Fostering unfounded fears about a parent or guardian can create serious barriers to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. By raising awareness, we can foster healthier relationships and ensure that all children have the opportunity to maintain meaningful connections with both parents.”

Read more: Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura