SPRINGFIELD – Senate Higher Education Committee Chair Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) moved a measure through the Senate Higher Education Committee Tuesday to help students make more informed choices about the loans they take out to pay for college and establish new accountability standards for private loan companies.

“The reward for higher education should not be a lifetime of debt,” Bennett said. “Students and families should be informed if they qualify for federal loans before they turn to private loans and the higher interest rates and fewer repayment options that go with them.”

Bennett introduced the Know Before You Owe Private Education Loan Act, which requires private lenders to confirm with a potential borrower’s school that the student’s tuition, housing and other costs are not covered by other sources of financial aid. Additionally, the legislation requires colleges and universities to notify students about their federal loan eligibility before certifying private loans.

Bennett worked closely with the Illinois attorney general’s office to craft the legislation.

“Private student loans are more expensive and more difficult for borrowers to repay. As we have seen during the pandemic, the relief that comes with federal student loans is particularly critical during an economic downturn,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “This legislation ensures that students and families are aware of the benefits of federal loans and whether they are eligible – before they take out private loans.”

“The Know Before You Owe initiative will ensure that students and their families know about their federal loan options before they take on private loans,” Bennett said. “I am proud to work with Attorney General Raoul on this initiative to give Illinois students more control over their financial futures.”

Senate Bill 2291 cleared the Senate Higher Education Committee and will now go before the full Senate for a vote.

SPRINGFIELD – After months of collaboration with community members and professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee focusing on issues affecting older Illinoisans, Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) introduced a measure that would ensure nursing home residents are treated with courtesy and are able to maintain their human and civil rights while receiving medical care. 

“All Illinoisans deserve to be treated with civility and respect, regardless of their age or ability,” Villa said. “It’s been a pleasure working with my Senior Advisory Committee to come up with solutions for the nursing home issues voiced throughout our community.” 

Villa’s legislation would prohibit nursing home residents from performing labor for the facility unless it is for documented therapeutic or medical purposes. Outpatient mental health service facilities would also be required to have a written internal grievance procedure to allow residents to voice their concerns. 

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) passed two measures out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday that would help preserve the privacy of survivors of sexual assault.

“Sexual assault survivors deserve their privacy,” Lightford said. “They have experienced intense trauma, and it’s absolutely their right to determine whom they share their stories with.”

Senate Bill 2339 clarifies that anyone seeking to inspect or copy court records relating to a child survivor of sexual crimes must get a court order, with reasonable exceptions for people who play a legitimate role in the judicial process. The legislation, which is supported by the circuit court of Cook County, closes a loophole that prevents them from excluding identities when releasing certain court records.

SPRINGFIELD –To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is sponsoring a bill to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the measure, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address the substitute teacher shortage in Illinois, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) has introduced a bill that would increase the number of hours a retired teacher may work without impairing their retirement status.

“The pandemic has put a strain on the already-shrinking pool of teachers,” Joyce said. “As more school districts transition from remote learning to in-person instruction, some will be faced with challenges in hiring substitute teachers.”

SPRINGFIELD – To close loopholes that currently allow the Illinois Tollway Authority to share Illinois drivers’ personal information and travel records with law enforcement, federal prosecutors and private attorneys, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) sponsored legislation to limit the instances in which this data can be shared.

“Your travel history is your business. When that information is shared without valid cause, it’s a clear violation of drivers’ privacy,” said Murphy. “We need to put stronger protections in place to keep people’s personal information safe.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) would help expand crisis response options across Illinois.

“Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis need appropriate treatment, and a quick and efficient response to a crisis is the most effective way to ensure they get it,” Peters said.

Illinois already has a program for crisis response, but it is underutilized because not enough people know that it’s even an option, and instead resort to calling the police.

SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure residents are notified of unclaimed property quickly and efficiently, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) advanced an initiative to allow state agencies to work together to locate rightful property owners.

“The Illinois Treasurer’s Office proactively searches for owners of unclaimed property throughout the state, but one office shouldn’t have to do it alone,” Crowe said. “Other state agencies should be utilizing their resources to help identify owners so property can be returned quickly.”

The initiative would allow the Illinois Secretary of State and the State Board of Elections to partner with the Treasurer’s Office to compare information in an effort to locate owners of unclaimed property valued at $2,000 or less.

Through its iCash program, the Treasurer’s Office is holding more than $3.5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinoisans. Unclaimed property includes accounts and other financial means being held at corporations, financial institutions, financial intermediaries, courts or life insurance companies that have gone dormant for a period of time.

Crowe has previously partnered with the Treasurer’s Office to connect residents with cost-saving resources throughout the state, including the iCash program.

“During a pandemic that has caused nationwide financial devastation, receiving unclaimed property could make a notable difference for a struggling family,” Crowe said. “This initiative is intended to streamline the process for residents to receive the dollars they are entitled to.”

Senate Bill 338 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and moves for further consideration before the full Senate.