SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ measure to keep a closer watch on Illinois’ gray foxes moved a step nearer to becoming law on Thursday.

The gray fox population in Illinois and much of the Midwest has been declining over the last 30 years, primarily due to diseases like canine distemper and competition with coyotes, but current law doesn’t allow the state to act on population changes and adjust the hunting season. House Bill 3760 would give the Illinois Department of Natural Resources the authority to set the hunting and trapping seasons for the gray fox based on current research and population data. Other states including Indiana, Ohio and Iowa, are also looking at potential legislation to address this issue.

“The Illinois Department of Natural Resources can be more proactive in managing the gray fox population to avoid further declines and remove extra pressure on the population,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “This applies for the 2025 hunting and trapping season only to provide adequate notice for hunters and trappers. IDNR can consider readjusting their season when the population rebounds.”

SPRINGFIELD –Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes – alongside family members and advocates of terminally ill adults – outlined their support of legislation to provide terminally ill patients with end-of-life options during a subcommittee Wednesday.

“We are working to take a compassionate step forward to honor the fundamental human right to determine one’s own end-of-life journey with autonomy and peace,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “People deserve the dignity to make their own deeply personal choices – and to do so surrounded by their loved ones while free from unnecessary suffering.”

Holmes’ legislation would allow mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live the option to request a prescription for medication that they could choose to take to end their suffering peacefully. Physicians would not administer the medication; patients would need to be able to take the medication themselves. To protect against coercion, the measure includes eligibility requirements and assessments by the attending physician and a consulting physician, who will determine if the patient has the mental capacity to make an informed decision.

Terminally ill woman, mom whose son died after using law in CA, community members testify about legislation

CHICAGO – Family members and advocates of terminally ill adults who support access to medical aid in dying gathered Friday alongside Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes to present her End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients legislation to the Senate Executive Committee.

Holmes has been collaborating on the legislation since early 2024 with the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition, which includes Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois, Illinois Now, ACLU Illinois, doctors, clergy and family members. They were joined by individuals with firsthand experience as patients or relatives of terminally ill adults to express their support.

“This can be an emotional issue, and many fallacies circle around medical aid in dying; I encourage those with misgivings to read the legislation in full to see its criteria and the safeguards that would protect patients, medical professionals and relatives,” Holmes (D-Aurora), chief sponsor of the bill, said.

Opponents include advocates for people with disabilities, who fear they could be exploited or scammed. In Oregon, the first state to enact medical aid in dying, there have been no substantiated cases of abuse or coercion since it took effect in 1997, according to the ACLU.

AURORA – Alongside Governor JB Pritzker, the CyrusOne team and other local elected officials, State Senator Linda Holmes celebrated the groundbreaking of the new CyrusOne data center in Aurora on Wednesday.

“CyrusOne is a global leader in data center development and has once again chosen Aurora to be its home for this expansion project,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This new data center brings critical investments to our community, including hundreds of new jobs and millions in tax contributions over time.”

The new $350 million data center is CyrusOne’s second campus in Aurora. The expansion project includes the creation of two new buildings with a total of 446,000 square feet. The new data center will provide advanced digital infrastructure services to local communities and national networks.

SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners throughout Illinois can look forward to getting unused household paint out of their garage or basement to designated collection centers for safe disposal soon. Legislation led by State Senator Linda Holmes sets out a process for regulators to propose and adopt specific regulations for the state’s upcoming paint recycling program, expected to begin operations in 2025.

The Paint Stewardship Act became law early this year, founding a program for Illinois to manage collecting, transporting and disposing unused household paint. Senate Bill 839 is the next stage for the program: setting rules and roles for state and federal regulators to allow Illinois consumers to begin dropping off paint at established collection points. PaintCare Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, represents paint manufacturers and works with states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws.

“This law moves us closer to a day next year when homeowners can begin dropping off their old paint at PaintCare’s collection sites,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Over time, at least 90% of Illinois residents will have a collection site, service or event within a 15-mile radius of their home free of charge. Getting these cans of unused paint out of our basements and garages will protect our state’s soil and water to continue growing crops to feed the state and nation.”

AURORA – In 2023, State Senator Linda Holmes collaborated with State Senator Julie Morrison to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety. This year, they cosponsored Senate Bill 2849 to give local governments authority to set reasonable rules for the airspace over public spaces; the measure is now law.

“Drones have the potential to aid our communities in many ways, and this is an example of giving local governments a say in when and where their use is appropriate,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “For children engaged in a sporting event, the buzzing of a drone may distract players and supporters on the field. This law can prevent the disruption.”

Local parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, sports fields or other recreational facilities will be off-limits to private drone operators.

“The Illinois Association of Park Districts applauds the passage of Senate Bill 2849. This important measure gives park districts, forest preserve districts and conservation districts a necessary tool to help ensure their public spaces are welcoming for all patrons,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD president and CEO. “The IAPD appreciates Governor Pritzker’s and the Illinois General Assembly’s support of this initiative.”

Morrison and Holmes support opportunities for local control on local issues by working with park districts statewide. Visitors to Illinois’ many beautiful, enjoyable outdoor spaces may look forward to spending that leisure time undisturbed.

The governor signed the legislation Friday, and it takes effect immediately.

AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead service lines in this second phase of lead service line replacement.

“Safe drinking water is necessary for the health and safety of every member of the community,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Lead contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children. This funding represents a considerable investment in clean, safe drinking water for all residents and protecting this essential resource for future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ legislation to require insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth has been signed into law today.

“Those who have faced the loss of an infant can cope with the trauma for the rest of their lives; it is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This pain can trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and may lead to substance abuse.”