SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) sponsored legislation this spring to help the Kendall County Courthouse grow to serve demand for additional facilities and more timely resolution of court cases. That bill was signed into law Friday.

Senate Bill 3737 will allow the county to finish space that was built but never completed, and to house additional judicial staff hired to support the increasing needs for court services in the growing county.

“Kendall County was the fastest growing county in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010, and the fastest growing county in Illinois from 2010 to 2020, having grown its population by 141% since 2000,” Holmes said. “Population growth means the courthouse needs expanding to meet the county’s legal proceedings, and I’m happy to help make this happen.”

AURORA – To address ever-increasing rates of vehicle thefts in Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes supported three measures to offer protections to motorists and assistance to investigators that were signed into law Thursday.

“Families and motorists shouldn’t fear being on the roads because of a risk of being carjacked,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “These three new laws will help law enforcement crack down on car thefts, as well as providing financial protection to victims.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes was signed into law last week.

Sen. Holmes originally introduced Senate Bill 3187 to streamline the recording process to establish a stamped or electronic version of the county seal satisfies the signature requirement for record instruments.

“The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Reporters approached me about clarifying this issue after a Sangamon County Recorder’s office customer believed the printed name of the Recorder should be considered a signature,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “In any case where there is doubt as to whether a printed Recorder’s name is legal, this clearly states the recorded document is legal.”

County Recorders are generally responsible for maintaining records of all governing body transactions including resolutions and ordinances. They keep records of deeds, marriage licenses and most other public records. They also issue permits, as well as many licenses.

With the signing of SB 3187 by the governor, it took effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – When a woman requires a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of her uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes causes estrogen to drop and menopause to begin. Insurance companies will soon be required to cover hormone therapy treatments under a plan led by State Senator Linda Holmes.

“A lack of estrogen causes women to develop osteoporosis, weak bones, hot flashes and other symptoms,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Hormone therapy replaces some or all of the estrogen the woman’s ovaries would be making. Adding estrogen back into a woman’s body lowers their risk of certain medical conditions.”

SPRINGFIELD – Based on recommendations made by a constituent, State Senator Linda Holmes sponsored a measure to make life easier for veterans seeking sporting licenses. House Bill 4680 streamlines the process to apply for and attain fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s combination licenses. It was signed into law by the governor Friday.

“A gentleman in the 42^nd District contacted me and told me his only choice to get one of these licenses was to go all the way to Springfield to apply in person; I knew there had to be a better way to serve our veterans,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “We worked with DNR to fix an oversight in this process: after years of there being five locations to get these licenses, it was down to one. There are now electronic ways to achieve the same goal.”

AURORA – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) released the following statement after learning of the leaked Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:

"It’s a sad day when we find the progress we’ve fought so hard to make for women could now be reversed. What more fundamental right could exist in a democracy than the right to make our own decisions about our bodies without interference from the government?

"Generations of women -- and their daughters and granddaughters -- fought for these rights through most of the 20th century. Their work brought us to a safer standard for reproductive health care for all women. Taking away this hard-earned right will cost lives. Lower income women will feel they have no other option but to resort to dangerous and deadly procedures that killed thousands of women before Roe v. Wade was established.

"As a woman leader in the Illinois State Senate, I will continue to work to ensure the rights of Illinois women are defended. I am proud to live in a state that has taken many actions to ensure women's rights will be protected here."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) strongly supported the Illinois Senate Democrats’ package of initiatives aimed to support law enforcement officers and improve the state’s criminal justice system.

“Law enforcement officers risk their personal safety and lives to keep our families and neighbors safe,” Holmes said. “I’m proud to support a plan to offer additional protections and ensure they have the necessary tools to address rising crime rates.”

SPRINGFIELD – Based on recommendations made by a constituent, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) advanced a measure to make life easier for veterans seeking sporting licenses. House Bill 4680 streamlines the process to apply for and attain fishing, hunting and sportsmen’s combination licenses.

“When a gentleman contacted me and let me know that his only choice to get one of these licenses was to go all the way to Springfield to apply in person, I knew there had to be a better way to serve our veterans,” Holmes said. “We worked with DNR to fix an oversight in this process: after years of there being five locations to get these licenses, it was down to one. There are now electronic ways to achieve the same goal.”