SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has a new law on the books to help increase the state’s workforce to meet the growing demand of seeking mental and behavioral health assistance.

State Senator Eric Mattson (D-Joliet) served as a cosponsor on Senate Bill 3617, which focuses on expanding the workforce by streamlining licensure requirements and supporting diversity in the mental health field. The measure was signed into law on Friday.

“Our mental health is essential to leading a happy life,” Mattson said. “This new law helps the state increase the number of mental health professionals in our state to ensure residents receive the care they need.”

Senate Bill 3617 accelerates the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as streamlines requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years or more.

ELGIN – Thanks to a measures supported by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), veterans can look closer to home to access the federal SkillBridge program.

“Making sure our veterans get the most convenient support as they enter the workforce following their transition out of the military is a top priority,” Castro said. “This law will ensure that veterans have access to assistance with the program based right here in Illinois.”

The new law makes the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs the primary statewide assistance organization under the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program. This program matches eligible service members who are transition from active duty with workforce development opportunities.

WEST CHICAGO – In partnership with community members and other professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee, State Senator Karina Villa championed a new law to protect the dignity and rights of nursing home residents across Illinois and ensure they are afforded the highest quality of care.

“Many families struggle with the decision to placed loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With everything that goes into this decision, families shouldn’t also have to worry about abuse or neglect.”

Previously Senate Bill 1633, the new law amends and expands the existing Nursing Home Care Act to offer more comprehensive protection for nursing home residents. In addition to ensuring residents' rights must be maintained and basic needs are met, the law creates requirements for grievance procedures at nursing facilities, protects residents from being forced to perform unpaid labor and requires information on how to submit complaints be posted publicly and available to residents at request.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a new Illinois law gives residents a new option to support families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty.

“Families of fallen first responders endure tremendous emotional stress and financial uncertainty,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By creating this option, we are providing an easy way for residents to show their support to first responders and donate to the families of lost heroes.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation supported by State Senator Robert Martwick that provides private assistance to first responders via a tax check-off was signed into law. 

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Making it easier for people to make a charitable contribution to support our first responders will be much appreciated in the district that I represent.”

House Bill 4161 will increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents in Illinois will have additional access to mental and behavioral health specialists, under a new state law with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“This effort will improve opportunities for residents needing mental or behavioral health care and workers willing and able to provide that care,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “With this law, Illinois aims to reduce barriers for potential patients, so that all who seek mental and behavioral health care could get better access.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Because of this gap, many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely.

CHICAGO – New law co-sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Friday.

“This new law creates a convenient way for us to give back to first responders,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs.

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.

“It’s simple: Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s law will require state agencies to only contract with vendors that do not use single-use plastics for food services at state parks and natural areas starting in January 2024. Rather, compostable or recyclable foodware will need to be utilized – except plastic straws upon request only.