SPRINGFIELD — Teenagers who spend five or more hours per day on electronic devices are 71% more likely to demonstrate risk factors for suicide — an alarming phenomenon State Senator Cristina Castro is determined to change.

“My legislation takes social media out of the classroom so students can focus on what’s important: learning,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This measure sets a standard to limit cellphone use during class time but prioritizes flexibility, letting schools take the lead in deciding how it should be implemented in their local community.”

SPRINGFIELD — On Wednesday, the Senate Revenue Committee held a subject matter hearing on a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters that would address Illinois’ affordable housing crisis by creating a state-level housing tax credit, unlocking millions in federal funds and driving new private investment in housing development.

“Senate Bill 62 is about building homes, creating jobs and making sure working families across Illinois can afford a place to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is a responsible, proven model that brings everyone to the table – government, private investors and community developers – to deliver the housing our communities urgently need.”

Peters’ measure would establish the Build Illinois Homes Tax Credit, which mirrors the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and helps finance new affordable rental housing. Administered by the Illinois Housing Authority and the Chicago Department of Housing, the credit would be awarded to affordable housing developers who already qualify for the federal LIHTC and are determined to need additional funding to move their projects forward.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy’s bill to make equine therapy more accessible has passed the Senate.

“Equine therapy is an incredible tool that can be used by occupational therapists to meet the unique needs of their patients,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “When insurance covers equine therapy, more individuals can access this transformative care – supporting mental health, emotional growth and recovery without the burden of high out-of-pocket costs.”

Equine therapy is a term that encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has shown positive effects for people living with PTSD and autism.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois teachers and families would have better tools to identify behavioral and mental health needs for youth to connect them with community-based supports under a measure led by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“My focus has always been on prioritizing behavioral health care and social services that reinforce our commitments to Illinois children and families, and this legislation continues that important work,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “This initiative will help teachers connect students with school-based supports but also create stronger pathways to behavioral health care and services at home and in the community.”

Feigenholtz has worked alongside members of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, led by Dr. Dana Weiner, since 2022. Feigenholtz sponsored and passed the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act in 2023, paving the way for the new BEACON portal, a centralized online platform for Illinois children and families seeking mental health services. Through BEACON, youth and caregivers can find services they qualify for, manage health records securely, receive real-time updates and request additional case support.

SPRINGFIELD – With worries about hazardous material explosions on the rise, schools would be required to establish emergency evacuation plans under a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“It’s vital to establish clear plans before an emergency happens, which is why our schools need to know how to best protect their students should the unthinkable happen,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Evacuation plans developed with emergency management experts give schools the tools they need to act quickly and confidently in a hazardous spill – saving time, reducing chaos and protecting lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois.

“It is common sense to eliminate unnecessary licensing requirements for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states that imposes these stiff requirements, and it’s time we get out of the way and allow individuals to practice their craft and earn a living without unnecessary barriers."

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a plan to give more transparency in firefighter death records.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to partner with firefighters across Illinois on legislation that would improve our service to first responders,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We owe it to the firefighters who gave their lives in service to their communities.”

Nearly 2,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty over the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to injuries and deaths that occur in the line of duty, firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer and other illnesses – highlighting the need for state-level data to guide interventions that protect their health and safety.

SPRINGFIELD – When a person with developmental disabilities goes missing, time is of the essence – but existing alert systems do not always address their unique needs. A measure from State Senator Paul Faraci is looking to change that by creating the Golden Search Awareness Program, ensuring law enforcement, families and communities have the tools to respond effectively.

“For families with loved ones who have developmental disabilities, a missing persons case is even more urgent,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This bill will make sure we have a system in place that recognizes these challenges and brings people home safely.”