OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a new Illinois law gives residents a new option to support families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty.

“Families of fallen first responders endure tremendous emotional stress and financial uncertainty,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By creating this option, we are providing an easy way for residents to show their support to first responders and donate to the families of lost heroes.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents in Illinois will have additional access to mental and behavioral health specialists, under a new state law with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“This effort will improve opportunities for residents needing mental or behavioral health care and workers willing and able to provide that care,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “With this law, Illinois aims to reduce barriers for potential patients, so that all who seek mental and behavioral health care could get better access.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Because of this gap, many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – A new Illinois law aims to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceitful delivery services with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“It’s not an honest business practice when delivery services can take advantage of local businesses without their knowledge or consent,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Restaurants and bars, particularly locally-owned businesses, should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to utilize delivery services.”

House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported a new law recently signed on Friday to expand women’s access to healthy pregnancies and fetal development.

“Good nutrition is key for expecting mothers, and not all women have access to reliable sources of vitamins and minerals,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By expanding insurance coverage to include prenatal vitamins, we will improve access to supplements that lead to safer pregnancy experiences and healthy births.”

The new law requires insurance policies that already cover prescription drugs to also cover prenatal vitamins. Prenatal vitamins, when prescribed by a licensed physician, can have many health benefits to both mother and child that range from supplying more oxygen to the baby to preventing bone loss in the mother.

“Prenatal supplements can be vital to the safety and wellness of mothers and their children,” Glowiak Hilton said. “With this law, Illinois is offering protections to pregnant women and reducing barriers to quality care.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To address rising rates of vehicle thefts throughout Illinois, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported three measures to offer protections to motorists and assistance to investigators that were signed into law Thursday.

“Commuters and families are worried to be on the roadways due to the rise in reported carjackings,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “To offer protections to motorists, three new laws in Illinois will help crack down on car thefts and offer financial protections to victims.”

SPRINGFIELD – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the governor signed a measure into law Friday led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois is enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), more paraprofessionals, or teacher aids, will have access to classrooms sooner.

“Paraprofessionals are vital members of a school’s support staff,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By lowering the eligible age, Illinois is offering an opportunity to an aspiring educator or other responsible adult while working to address the statewide teacher shortage.”

In Illinois, paraprofessionals are currently required to be at least 19 years old. Under the new law, the age would be lowered to 18 years old, as long as the individual meets the other license requirements. Paraprofessionals are required to have a high school diploma, an associate degree and pass a competency test.

SPRINGFIELD – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the Illinois Senate adopted a measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois has an opportunity to enact one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the office of the attorney general, Glowiak Hilton’s initiative defines organized retail crime as a criminal charge and gives prosecutors additional resources to charge crime ringleaders. Specifically, the measure codifies ORC as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell.