SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa spearheaded a new law that fortifies safe drinking water standards to ensure residents have access to clean water.

“When people are out in the community, they deserve to know that the water they use is safe,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Safe drinking water standards must be enforced to secure the health of our communities.”

The law allows the Illinois Department of Public Health to impose civil penalties against non-community water supplies that violate drinking water standards and clarifies that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is the primary agency responsible for implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act, consistent with federal law.

SPRINGFIELD – To address alarming rates of mental health conditions among college-aged individuals, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure students can access mental health services through their college or university.

“More and more young people are struggling with a mental health condition, putting their lives at risk especially when they are far from home or feel like they don’t have a support system,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “At a time when mental health providers are scarce and students need a safety net to rely on, it is important that public educational institutions are equipped to provide critical services to ensure the safety and success of their students.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

SPRINGFIELD – Citing the increased need for mental health services for students following the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure college students have access to mental health services.

“As a school social worker, I saw first-hand that learning and wellness are intertwined. When students gain access to mental health services, they succeed,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Starting college, moving out on your own, balancing academics and a social life can be overwhelming. It is critical for students to know they have access to support if they need it.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa passed a measure through the Senate to address the mental health concerns of defendants who have been determined to be unfit for trial languishing in county jails.

“Our justice system is not equipped to care for every individual deemed unfit for trail in need of mental health treatment, resulting in worse mental health outcomes for these individuals,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This not only inhibits a person’s right to due process and a fair trial, but further increases the chances of an individual remaining in the system.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to an urgent shortage of social workers in Illinois, State Senator Karina Villa introduced a measure to increase retention and hire more licensed clinical social workers in the state.

“There is a great need within our communities for experienced, empathetic, licensed social workers to provide support to those facing crisis,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Illinois is facing a widening gap between available qualified social workers and the amount of people who need their services. Our residents deserve equitable and prompt access to care, and these grants are a step in the right direction.”

House Bill 3511 would create the Nonprofit Clinical Supervision Grant Program to provide grants to nonprofit associations to hire licensed clinical social workers to fill the gap in care across Illinois. The grants would also fund group clinical supervision to fulfill requirements for clinical social worker licensure in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – Building upon Illinois’ shield laws that protect access to reproductive care, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would secure the licenses of health care providers and ensure access to abortion medications.

“The current federal administration presents a national threat to reproductive health care access,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “As we continue to see other states attempting to restrict care and impose their laws on people in Illinois, it is instrumental that we push back and fortify our laws to keep individuals and providers safe.”

House Bill 3637 would prohibit the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and health care institutions from taking disciplinary or non-disciplinary action against a provider’s authorization to provide medical care under their scope of practice as long as the care is lawful in Illinois. The measure would apply regardless of whether a patient is an Illinois resident or not.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus gathered to honor firefighters who risked their lives on the job during the 32^nd annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony.

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial honors the courageous firefighters of Illinois who have valiantly given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with courage, pride and honor. The ceremony also gives families of fallen firefighters the Line of Duty Death Award in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery and resilience.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa successfully led a resolution through the Senate to declare May 8, 2025 as Quinceañera Day in Illinois, celebrating the Latin American tradition while highlighting the 15th anniversary of Latino Unity Day.

“A quinceañera is a tradition centered in community, bringing together every person who has contributed to the upbringing of a young girl,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “It is a reflection of our culture, which understands that substantial change takes a village, whether it is in raising a family or uplifting our community.”

Senate Resolution 248 was adopted in honor of the 15^th anniversary of Latino Unity Day – the largest day of advocacy in Springfield for the Latino community in Illinois. Quinceañera, derived from the Spanish word “quince,” meaning fifteen, is a celebration for a girl’s 15^th birthday that incorporates indigenous and catholic traditions. The purpose of a quinceañera is to mark a young girl’s transition into adulthood.