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.

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

House Bill 3710 affirms that individuals who report being a crime victim have the right to be treated with fairness and respect, including during the investigatory stage. The bill would also prohibit the use of deception by law enforcement, defining it as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence.

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers could soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate.

“As societal pressures grow, more people are prioritizing their mental health, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Resources need to be easily accessible, especially for teachers who may need it for themselves or a student in a time of need.”

House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.