Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – To protect the health of students with asthma, State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law will ensure that life-saving asthma medication will be available in school gyms.

“Every day students with asthma participate in activities with the knowledge that their asthma medication is not within reach,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By enabling gyms and practice fields to have rescue medication, and allowing coaches to administer it can make all the difference in an emergency. Quick access to treatments reduces hospital visits, improves quality of life and gives students greater security.”

House Bill 4247 will allow schools to maintain a supply of asthma medication at practice fields and gyms and permits coaches and athletic trainers to administer undesignated asthma medication.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law will provide transparency and security to individuals in assisted living facilities, when facilities are closing.

“Residents in long-term care settings deserve transparency, accountability and support when major changes occur at their facilities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “With this law, we are taking an important step toward ensuring that closures are handled with greater coordination and oversight so individuals and families are not left without guidance during difficult transitions.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is highlighting a new law he spearheaded that will honor the legacy and lasting impact of the late State Senator Scott Bennett by renaming the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail.

“Scott Bennett’s impact on not only East Central Illinois but also the entire state will never go unnoticed, and this is a small token of our appreciation toward his tireless efforts to the betterment of the 52nd District during his time as state senator,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Scott was a mentor, friend and all-around good person, and I’m glad our communities will remember his legacy and memory for generations to come. No one is more deserving of this honor.”

Faraci’s law will honor Bennett’s memory in Vermilion County by designating the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. It will also allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to erect plaques in recognition of the designation, pending the agency’s funding availability.

In his time as the state senator for the 52nd District, serving communities in East Central Illinois from 2015 until his death in 2022, Bennett was a tireless champion of environmental stewardship. As a Central Illinois native, he was also a longtime advocate for Kickapoo Rail Trail, fighting for critical funding to expand regional connectivity through the trail and advocating for proper maintenance of the Kickapoo State Recreation Area.

Senate Bill 2859 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson, individuals with prior felony convictions may apply to become a notary public.

“Notaries play an important role in protecting the integrity of legal and financial documents, helping prevent fraud and ensure trust in everyday transactions,” Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Giving former felons who have demonstrated rehabilitation the chance to become notaries recognizes that accountability and redemption go hand in hand.”

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Willie Preston will expand insurance and Medicaid coverage for rehabilitative speech therapy for stuttering, helping more Illinois children and young adults access critical treatment and support services.

“Too many young people who stutter face barriers to getting the care they need,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This law helps remove those barriers and ensures more families can access critical treatment and support services.”

SPRINGFIELD – To address the pervasive issue of medical debt and support underinsured and uninsured patients, a new law led by State Senator Omar Aquino will streamline the application process for hospital financial assistance.

“While families navigate health issues, they should not have to endure the added stress of undergoing a confusing financial assistance application process,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “With federal cuts to Medicaid threatening the health care of millions, financial concerns will only worsen, forcing more people to forgo care and leading to more expensive medical costs down the road.”

House Bill 5390 tasks the Attorney General with creating a standard form for hospitals to include in applications for financial assistance. The law also establishes a one-year approval period to address current administrative burdens.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to protect those burdened by health care debt from having a lien placed on their home during a health care debt collection has been signed into law.

“No one should have to fear losing their home because they got sick,” said Guzmán. “For too long, hospitals have been allowed to use medical debt to threaten the stability of working families. Illinois should never allow that debt to become a tool for taking away someone’s home. Today we put an end to one of the most harmful debt collection practices in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – Digital coupons have become more common; however, not all consumers can easily access them. State Senator Laura Ellman is combatting this with a new law that will ensure eligible consumers receive the benefits of digital promotions when they meet the stated terms.

“People shouldn’t miss out on savings because a promotion isn’t accessible,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “If it’s offered, it should be usable to all, especially when a digital coupon can make a difference when buying in bulk with increasing grocery prices.”

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly one in four adults over 65 say they need help using digital technology, highlighting ongoing barriers to app-based only promotions. As retail continues to evolve, Ellman’s law will make everyday transactions more accessible.