SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman called a press conference Wednesday to outline critical legislation designed to eliminate gaps in protection that would leave survivors of domestic violence and stalking without enforceable safeguards.

“This bill was inspired by a courageous constituent who came forward to share her story. Her experience underscores why we must constantly review our laws to ensure they truly protect those they are meant to serve,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure guarantees continued protections for victims and strengthens accountability for those who violate court orders.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate Criminal Law Committee that would protect victims from their abusers by closing gaps that could occur between an emergency and a final order of protection.

“When a judge grants a final order of protection, the intent is clear: the victim deserves protection,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “With more than 62,000 petitions for orders of protections filed in Illinois last year alone, we know how critical these legal tools are. This initiative ensures protection remains fully enforceable and protects survivors from dangerous loopholes.”

ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman praised Monday’s announcement that the historic Rockford Brake Manufacturing factory is reopening following an Economic Development for Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement – bringing $6.6 million and 150 new job opportunities to the Rockford region.

“This announcement highlights a welcome return on public investment in our workforce and emphasizes the importance of the automotive industry in Rockford’s economy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This investment enables the Rockford Brake Manufacturing company to revitalize their machinery and take part in the growing commercial vehicle industry.”

SPRINGFIELD – With other states reporting a rise in drivers concealing or switching their license plates to avoid legal repercussions, a measure from State Senator Steve Stadelman has been signed into law that explicitly bans license plate flippers.

“All drivers need to be held to the same standards on the road,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People shouldn’t be using plate flippers to skip tolls, dodge cameras or evade police.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure out of the Senate that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“There’s no reason to wait and disclose extra fees to patients after the care has already been provided,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We need these facilities to take more responsibility and inform patients of all costs and fees prior to any services.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about the fees included in their services.

“Patients deserve to know ahead of time if any extra fees will be added onto their bill,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Hospitals need to take responsibility and inform their patients of all applicable fees at any of their facilities.”

House Bill 1431 would require hospitals to develop a policy to inform patients they may be charged a facility fee, if applicable, for outpatient services separate from a professional fee. Facility fees are charges imposed by health care facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, whereas professional fees cover the cost of the professional providing the care. The lack of transparency between the two has made patients feel like they are being double charged for their visit.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, the average amount of money lost by victims of elder financial exploitation was $33,915 and total losses in 2023 exceeded $3.4 billion. At a press conference Wednesday, State Senator Steve Stadelman outlined his plan to protect and further prevent instances of elder financial abuse.

“It’s very common for older individuals to fall victim to financial abuse,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The goal with this legislation is to protect our most vulnerable citizens and to ensure suspicious financial transactions can be paused until investigated.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois wastes close to 3.8 billion tons of food each year. In an effort to reduce the amount of food products we throw away, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working on new rules for product labeling.

“We are likely all guilty of throwing away food that seems fine but is past its expiration date,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “I want to ensure we are getting the most out of our food products, and I think this new measure I’m working on will help us get there.”

Senate Bill 2072 builds on legislation passed in 2023 that defined safety and quality dates and directed the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Department of Public Health to publish information to encourage food manufacturers and retailers to voluntarily use these terms on food product labels.