Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the growing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches targeting educational institutions, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to secure students’ sensitive information.

“As schools rely more on technology, we must ensure strong safeguards are in place to mitigate potential risks,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Biometric data is highly personal, and students, teachers and community members should be least exposed to risk in their schools.”

Senate Bill 415 would prohibit school districts from acquiring and using biometric systems unless they are used for legitimate instructional purposes, limiting the collection and use of students’ data.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure through the Senate that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families, providing crucial stability for children experiencing homelessness.

“Addressing housing instability is essential to keep students in school and prevent families from falling into a cycle of economic and emotional hardship,” said Villa (D- West Chicago). “By giving school districts the ability to step in during times of crisis, we can help children stay in their schools and communities, where they belong.”

House Bill 4137 would allow school districts to provide an extended motel stay for students that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, providing families with critical support while they secure or maintain permanent housing.

SPRINGFIELD – As the use of artificial intelligence and biometric systems permeates sectors, including education, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to protect students' sensitive information.

“In a digital age, we must do everything we can to protect children’s sensitive information, especially in school settings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The use of biometric systems in schools opens the door for the misuse of data or a potential breach. Students and their families deserve to know that their information is secure.”

SPRINGFIELD – To provide stability in the lives of children experiencing homelessness, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would expand access to emergency housing assistance for students and their families.

“As a former school social worker, I’ve seen first-hand how housing instability suppresses a student’s ability to learn,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Children cannot be expected to focus on learning when they are worried about where they will sleep at night. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to live, and it’s our responsibility to close the gaps that leave too many families without support.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa stood in solidarity with Latina lawmakers and community organizations at a press conference Wednesday, calling for culturally responsive services for survivors of gender-based violence in the workplace.

“Latina farmworkers sustain one of our state’s most essential industries, putting food on our tables, all while facing disproportionate rates of gender-based violence and workplace violations,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Today, we stand with these women and reject the misogynistic norms that, for far too long, have forced survivors of gender-based violence into silence in order to protect abusers.”

CHICAGO — In response to the presence of armed federal agents in downtown Chicago over the weekend, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has issued the following statement:

"We condemn the presence of armed Border Patrol agents patrolling the streets of downtown Chicago. What should have been a peaceful early fall Sunday, enjoyed by families, was marred by the sight of masked, heavily armed federal agents moving through our city as if it were a war zone.

“As if their mere presence wasn’t enough, these agents went further by detaining families, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. This is not about enforcing the law; it is about wielding power to intimidate, instill fear, and target individuals based on their appearance and language.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the federal administration suggesting plans to restrict abortion medications, State Senator Karina Villa sponsored a new law to ensure reproductive care remains accessible in Illinois.

“Abortions save lives. Denying care to any woman will lead to unrepairable harm and even death, which is preventable,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “In Illinois, we trust women. We will continue to strengthen a woman’s right to choose and ensure reproductive care is accessible to all in our state.”

The new law ensures that if the FDA revokes its approval for a drug it previously approved prior to Jan. 1, 2025, the drug is protected under state law so long as its safety is backed up by peer-reviewed research and the World Health Organization continues recommending the drug. This ensures access to mifepristone and other abortion medications should the current federal administration take steps to restrict approval of those drugs.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Karina Villa will address increased congenital syphilis cases in Illinois.

“This law upholds best practices to mitigate the alarming trend of rising congenital syphilis cases across Illinois,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “We must continue to support the health and safety of an expecting parent and their child every way we can.”

The law requires the second syphilis test conducted on pregnant individuals to be done between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to ensure treatment can begin at least 30 days before delivery. The law also expands authorization to administer the test to health care professionals who are qualified in addition to physicians.