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 – Anesthesia services, regardless of duration, would be covered by insurance companies under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Insurance companies have taken advantage of people for far too long,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Insurance coverage isn’t a timeshare, and companies shouldn’t have the ability to sell plans like this.”

House Bill 1141 would require private insurers and all state group health plans to cover medically necessary anesthesia services, regardless of duration, for any procedure covered by the policy. 

SPRINGFIELD –An initiative sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to expand loan options for student loan borrowers passed the Senate Thursday.

“As the cost of living continues to rise, it is critical that we provide students with an economic relief tool to help alleviate the often overwhelming burden of student loan debt,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Providing borrowers with additional loan options and lower interest rates will help keep money in their pockets to put toward other needs.”

House Bill 1430 would allow the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in refinanced student loans and work with financial institutions that provide refinancing for student loans. Refinanced loans at lower rates will result in lower payments for borrowers, freeing up spending power and supporting the local economy.

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation to create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services has passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law and ensuring that all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs. 

“Currently, the lack of equitable investments in youth sports programs statewide deprive thousands of children of the chance to develop skills and foster friendships with their peers,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “By creating a youth sports commission, we can research and address the inequalities that exist, and develop a strategic plan to make youth sports accessible to kids in every community in our state, regardless of their family’s income.” 

SPRINGFIELD — With the support of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure to phase out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

“Firefighters play an essential role in protecting and supporting our neighbors through accidents, illness and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By allowing harmful chemicals to be used in their clothing and equipment, we are putting their health at risk.”

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to expand access to health care while protecting affordability, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh passed House Bill 1577 through the Senate on Thursday.

The legislation, which clarifies university participation in Illinois’ dependent coverage law, ensures student health insurance plans remain affordable and sustainable for those who rely on them most.

“Expanding health care access must go hand in hand with protecting affordability,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation supports the intent of the original law while making sure we don't unintentionally burden students with higher premiums. We’re committed to building a more inclusive health care system — one that meets people where they are, including our students.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students at public colleges and universities can access comprehensive reproductive health care, State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure expanding the availability of contraception and other essential services directly on campus.

“Students shouldn't have to jump through hoops to access basic health care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This legislation ensures that young people — many away from home for the first time — can get the care they need directly on campus.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Dave Koehler to make certain that parents and guardians of students enrolled in special education programs have access to their children’s mental health records has passed the Illinois Senate.

“Parents need reliable access to critical information about their child’s mental health, especially when it comes to special education services,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Passing this bill gives families the tools they need to advocate for their child’s educational and emotional well-being effectively.”

House Bill 2994 would allow parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older would also have access to these records. This measure strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.