Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on previous school safety legislation by passing a measure that would enable the use of mobile panic alert systems in Illinois schools. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.

“With the use of innovative technology we can equip students and staff with the tools they need to feel safe and prepared,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Mobile panic systems provide a direct silent link to 911 dispatch and trigger a multi-sensory campus-wide notification in seconds.”

House Bill 5107 would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.

SPRINGFIELD — To expand access to dental care, State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation designed to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintaining strong professional standards.

“When life gets hectic, dental care is often the first thing that gets put to the side,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This will especially help rural and low-income communities who often have a lack access to dental care.”

SPRINGFIELD — To expand access to dental care, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is carrying legislation designed to ensure patients can access virtual dental care safely while maintaining strong professional standards.

“Whether it is because of a disability or lack of access to transportation, people often struggle to make it to the dentist as much as they should,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “While it may seem harmless early on, missing out on routine dental work can lead to costly emergency room visits down the road.”

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings carried legislation that would protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“On behalf of my neighbors back home, I have made it my mission to get them the answers they deserve on their insurance bill,” said Hastings. “There is no world where insurance companies should get away with 20% or more rate hikes without having to explain where those numbers are coming from.”

House Bill 4273 would prohibit a company selling homeowners insurance from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 60 days prior. This would give consumers the necessary time to shop around and find a better rate. Most importantly, the bill would prohibit homeowners insurance premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. The measure would be overseen by the Illinois Department of Insurance, with set rules for hearings on newly fled rates.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is advancing legislation aimed at improving emergency response in Illinois schools using mobile panic alert systems. The bill seeks to provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.

“As a dad, school safety isn’t abstract to me, it’s personal,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Schools should have reliable, straightforward tools that help protect our kids and give staff a direct line to law enforcement and emergency services.”

House Bill 5107 would require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year. 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ passing legislation in the Senate that would accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“Law enforcement often starts, and sometimes stops, with criminal databases like CODIS for DNA or criminal fingerprint records,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Those are strong tools, but they fail when the missing person has no criminal history.”

Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 would update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed legislation through the Senate aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“In light of some tragic storms in the area, we need to protect Illinois’ residents,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “There were people in Kankakee County who lost everything and not even a full day later they had contractors showing up trying to make a deal on-the-spot. After what we saw in Kankakee, these ‘storm chasers’ have no place in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3029 would prohibit a contractor from offering home repair or remodeling services while a loss-producing event, such as a fire or storm, is occurring at the premises; while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the premises; or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The measure would still allow consumers to initiate solicitation with contractors during these scenarios. 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is speaking out on the need for stronger oversight of Buy-Now-Pay-Later programs, a fast-growing form of short-term credit that allows consumers to pay for purchases in installments.

“These programs may seem convenient at first, but they can carry hidden costs, unexpected fees and financial risks that often go unnoticed until it is too late,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Young people, low-income families and those on fixed incomes are especially vulnerable. Illinois consumers deserve clear information, protections and accountability from lenders.”