SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a measure to ensure municipal and county first responders receive free mental health insurance coverage.

“We owe it to these brave individuals to provide them with the support and resources they need to heal and recover from the daily trauma they continuously endure in the line of duty,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is not only morally imperative but also cost effective. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can prevent more serious and costly consequences down the line.”

Senate Bill 3538 would require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents are one step closer toward receiving relief from noisy highway traffic, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings. 

“Illinois is the heart and soul of the nation’s interstate highway system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our roads, bridges and highways further our state’s mission to serve as an economic hub. However, at times this comes with noisy consequences for our neighbors who live near highways.”

The Hastings-led initiative will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to implement an expansion in their noise suppression program to give those who live near existing highways some relief.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is one step closer to having a law on the books to help guarantee insurance coverage for medically prescribed infertility treatments, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“My daughter was born via in vitro fertilization, so this initiative is near and dear to my heart,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Unfortunately I know firsthand the heartbreak and stress that families and individuals face due to infertility complications. It is problematic that the health care system is set up in a way that insurance companies can trump the treatment plan recommended by your physician.”

Hastings spearheaded Senate Bill 2639 in response to a constituent whose physician had recommended that they seek in vitro fertilization treatment. However, when the constituent tried to access IVF care, they were told by their insurance provider that they had to complete other procedures before it would be covered by their insurance company, even with the recommendation of their licensed physician.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law may soon be on the books to help ensure insurance coverage for certain infertility treatments, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“My daughter was born via in vitro fertilization, so this is near and dear to my heart,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “It is truly unfortunate that individuals or families that are already facing heartbreak due to infertility complications are being forced to fight their insurance companies in order to start or expand their family. Not only that, but it is problematic when a doctor recommends a course of treatment that's beneficial to the family, that an insurance company has the ability to trump that doctor.”

Hastings filed Senate Bill 2639 in response to a constituent in his district whose physician had recommended that they seek in vitro fertilization treatment. However, when the constituent tried to access IVF care, they were told by their insurance provider that they had to complete other procedures before it would be covered by their insurance company, even with the recommendation of their licensed physician.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois municipal and county first responders are one step closer toward receiving free mental health insurance coverage, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day keeping our communities safe,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By making care easily affordable we are removing financial barriers and chipping away at the stigma of prioritizing mental health.”

Senate Bill 3538 would require any self-insured county or municipality that provides health insurance coverage to first responders to include mental health counseling coverage without imposing any cost-sharing requirements on patients.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans may soon have a new way to connect with careers in state government, thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our nation’s heroes have worked tirelessly to defend our freedoms and democratic values,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This internship program will serve as another way for veterans to continue their mission after retiring their uniforms by serving our state and engaging in another mode of public service.”

Senate Bill 2769 would require the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to create a Veteran Internship Pilot Program. The program would provide internships to honorably discharged veterans with the opportunity to participate in the General Assembly's legislative staff internship program.

SPRINGFIELD – Police departments and sheriffs throughout Illinois will soon have a new resource available to quick track stolen vehicles, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“This new law helps our state’s law enforcement better utilizing the latest technology to track criminal actions,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We will move one step closing toward using technology readily available to track carjackers and kidnappers as they travel from Point A to Point B.”

This ground-breaking initiative goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. 

Nationwide, carjackings are on the rise, but without formal coordination between authorities and vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement officers had little to no ability to access real-time tracking information.

SPRINGFIELD – The long awaited renovation to the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center will soon be underway thanks to the advocacy of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Transferring the Tinley Park Mental Health Center to the Tinley Park – Park District was one of the best decisions the state made this year,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “The Park District has a track record of working together with everyone in our community and the south suburban region. More importantly, they are capable and have a plan ready when the property is ultimately transferred to them.”

This new law will allow the Tinley Park – Park District to renovate an abandoned property into a first class recreation destination to include a sports park and recreational space for residents in the community to use.