SPRINGFIELD – To encourage community gardening, incentives will be provided for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening under a new initiative sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner that was signed into law Friday.

“We’ve seen the positive outcomes that come from community gardens,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “There’s an economic benefit that provides residents with the needed tools that they may not get otherwise and engages the community by encouraging people to spend more time outside.”

The new law allows the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

Turner’s law requires IHDA to consult with the University of Illinois on the program, work with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to facilitate the distribution of produce from the garden, and provide all necessary tools for the garden.

“Food deserts leave people with few options for nutritious meals,” Turner said. “This is a great opportunity to provide fruits and vegetables to the residents who can’t easily access a grocery store.”

House Bill 3892 takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure – which was signed by the governor Friday – to fill a significant gap in current Illinois law by giving victims of doxing a voice in deterring bad actors looking to take advantage of the evolving cyber landscape.

“As technology evolves, so must our laws,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The measure signed into law today is a positive step toward providing a necessary solution to the dangerous practice of doxing, both by helping victims and deterring future bad actors.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a new law to cap its price at $35.

“Insulin is essential for individuals with diabetes to properly manage their condition,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Capping the price of insulin ensures that people can afford it without facing financial hardships.”

Under this new law, the price of a 30-day supply of insulin will be capped at $35 for all private individual and group insurance policies.

More than 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes according to the diabetes research institute. One in 12 Illinoisans have insulin-dependent diabetes.  According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the cost of insulin has risen 600% in the last 20 years. Americans pay 10 times than that of citizens of 32 other nations—$98.70 on average compared to $8.81.

“Insulin costs have increased significantly in recent years, despite there being little change to the production process,” said Belt. “This law will help protect patient’s well-being by ensuring that access to this life-saving medication is both consistent and affordable.” 

House Bill 2189 was signed on Friday and goes into effect July 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast advocate for expanding reproductive health care, State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a newly signed law to require colleges and universities to have emergency contraceptives readily available for students.

“High costs and a feeling of shame should not restrict college students from the time-sensitive medication they are seeking,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Wellness kiosks give students another point of access to prevent a pregnancy that is unattended.”

Work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 will continue 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes and State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado announced that they would continue their work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 that Cervantes sponsored in the Senate and Delgado led through the House.

SB1515 is aimed at protecting our immigration community, yet it fell short from its intention. Instead of moving forward with legislation that may not make Illinois a national example in protecting our immigrant community, Senator Cervantes, Representative Delgado, the Governor and advocates unanimously decided the best approach is to introduce a new bill that will make us leaders in the nation.

“We brought this legislation forward to protect employees and ensure Illinois is following through to protect workers’ rights,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve our goal with this legislation but the job does not stop there. I want to assure residents that I am committed to getting this measure right to protect our community.”

Delgado added, “Senator Cervantes and I are committed to continuing our work to protect all workers and determine a secure path for advancing workers’ rights in the workplace. No one should find themselves subject to, or in fear of name or social security number discrepancy notifications and we remain focused on working together with the Governor's office, labor leaders and advocates to bring forth a permanent solution for consideration during session in the fall.”

Senate Bill 1515 was vetoed by the governor on Friday. Cervantes and Delgado pledge to continue conversations and work with the administration and advocates to bring forth a solution for potential review in the fall veto session.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law will increase transparency between schools, students and parents regarding transfers to alternative schools thanks to support from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Alternative schools are necessary for some students to thrive. These schools are designed to help educate those who need an extra push outside of traditional environments,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “However, students and their parents are often left in the dark when it comes to the nature of the programs, or even when they can return to regular school.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton championed a new law to make Native American history a requirement for all public elementary and high school students.

“Native American history is American history. It’s time we introduce it in our classrooms,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “It is important that our children’s learning experiences are formulated in an atmosphere that is both inclusive and equitable."

House Bill 1633 requires public schools to make Native American history part of curriculum. Teachings will include the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation.

Full-day kindergarten to be offered across the state thanks to Leader Lightford

SPRINGFIELD – All Illinois children will now have equal access to full-day kindergarten thanks to a new law championed by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford.

“Kindergarten is pivotal for children’s learning journey,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Full-day kindergarten classes across the state will ensure equal access to early learning opportunities for all our families.”

Read more.

Glowiak Hilton measure to require naloxone in schools becomes law

SPRINGFIELD - All schools in Illinois will now be required to supply opioid antagonists for students thanks to a new law led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“By ensuring that naloxone is readily available to all students in Illinois, we are helping save our children’s lives,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “The opioid epidemic has taken a toll on our communities. It’s time we develop and implement the necessary precautions to protect everyone in our classrooms.”

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Preston's new law creates more successful reentry pathways for returning residents

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston championed a new law that will require the Secretary of State to provide returning residents with an Illinois ID upon receipt of identifying documents the state will assist the individuals in obtaining.

“We are creating pathways for life after incarceration that will put every Illinoisan in a position to thrive,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Offering formerly incarcerated individuals the support and resources they need to reintegrate back into their communities is necessary to reduce recidivism.”

Read more.

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