SPRINGFIELD – Following the federal administration suggesting plans to restrict abortion medications, State Senator Karina Villa sponsored a new law to ensure reproductive care remains accessible in Illinois.

“Abortions save lives. Denying care to any woman will lead to unrepairable harm and even death, which is preventable,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we trust women. We will continue to strengthen a woman’s right to choose and ensure reproductive care is accessible to all in our state.”

The new law ensures that if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the drug is protected under state law so long as its safety is backed up by peer-reviewed research and the World Health Organization continues recommending the drug. This ensures access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure young adults can access reproductive health care without unnecessary barriers, a new law led by State Senator Celina Villanueva expands access to contraception and medication abortion directly on college campuses across Illinois.

“Young people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law meets students where they are—on campus—and affirms their right to make decisions about their own bodies with dignity and convenience.”

House Bill 3709 requires all public colleges and universities in Illinois to provide students with access to a health care provider who can prescribe contraception and medication abortion starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. If a campus has an on-site pharmacy, it must fill those prescriptions upon request—giving students the option to avoid third-party providers if they choose.

SOUTH HOLLAND – State Senator Napoleon Harris III attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on the Allied Health & Nursing Center at South Suburban College.

“Today marks a proud moment for the Southland as we break ground on a project 15 years in the making,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This $52 million investment will transform South Suburban College by helping build up the next generation of health care professionals right here in our community.”

The new Allied Health & Nursing Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to expand SSC’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility will directly address the region’s critical need for skilled nurses, medical technicians and allied health specialists while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and care providers. 

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.

“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”

House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This new law allows individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law.

“When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.”

Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Julie Morrison will eliminate the use of toxic “forever chemicals” in everyday items like cosmetics, dental floss and children’s products, marking a significant step toward keeping harmful substances out of people’s homes and bodies.

“We all deserve peace of mind that the products we use regularly aren’t putting our health at risk,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law prioritizes the well-being of future generations by making sure our shelves are stocked with safer alternatives in the years ahead.”

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a type of synthetic chemicals designed for oil- and water-resistant purposes. Once released into the environment or absorbed by our body, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system damage and developmental problems in children.

SPRINGFIELD — After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of arranging a ride to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton championed a new law that expands the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“For someone who experienced trauma and found the strength to seek medical help, not having the means to get to their next location is overwhelming,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Expanding the state’s voucher program helps ensure survivors are cared for every step of the way, including after they leave the hospital.”

After an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

SPRINGFIELD —A new measure supported by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to prevent overdoses in Department of Corrections facilities was signed into law on Friday.

“In order to prevent tragic overdose deaths, we need to better understand where contraband drugs are coming from, instead of enacting policies without evidence demonstrating it will be effective in stopping the proliferation of banned goods,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago).  “Thanks to our work with this legislation, we will soon have a better understanding of how these goods get into DOC facilities, so we can begin work to prevent their movement and consumption.”

Senate Bill 2201 requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to collect and publish data concerning contraband found in their facilities, including the type of contraband, where in the facility it was identified, and the method of entry into the facility. It also makes public the consequences for people in custody for possessing or attempting to procure contraband to ensure any disciplinary actions meet ethical standards and do not include excessive force.