ELGIN – Construction workers who are not fairly compensated by subcontractors will soon be given an opportunity to collect unpaid wages, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Wage theft is a real problem, especially in the construction industry, which can have a complicated web of involved companies,” Castro said. “This law will provide a mechanism for the workers who have been slighted to receive their fair compensation and encourage primary contractors to employ reputable subcontractors.”

In a typical construction project, commercial property owners or developers will hire a primary contractor, also called a general contractor, to oversee a project. The general contractor will hire and coordinate with subcontractors, such as ones specializing in painting, window installation, electrical and more. Subcontractors employ their own workers to carry out their part of the project.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) and Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), pharmaceutical companies will now be required to establish a drug take-back program statewide, ensuring unused prescription drugs stay out of the hands of our children and our drinking water.

“Drug take-back programs are essential to keeping prescription medications out of the hands of our loved ones who could become addicted to these substances,” Senator Fine said. “In addition, these vital programs ensure prescription medications do not contaminate our environment.”

Many unused medicines are frequently flushed down the toilet or poured down the sink, causing harmful chemicals to end up in lakes, rivers, and groundwater, which can harm the ecosystem.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address gun violence as a public health crisis and increase coordination amongst state agencies, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported a gun violence prevention measure that was signed into law on Friday.

“Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis will allow state agencies, social service providers and partners in law enforcement to better coordinate to stop the violence,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

House Bill 4729 follows up on the governor’s Nov. 2021 Executive Order which classified gun violence as a public health crisis by creating statewide firearm storage and safety campaign through the Department of Public Health. The campaign will include the distribution of gun locks and safes through community-based organizations and partners with law enforcement to offer buyback programs. Currently, the cities of Evanston and Chicago host buyback programs with law enforcement and the City of Naperville operates a permanent take back program, which does not offer money in exchange for turning in firearms.

SPRINGFIELD – Men will be able to get annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket cost thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that was signed into law Friday.

“Prostate cancer can be life-threatening,” Bennett said. “This new law will allow more men to access prostate cancer screening without barriers and ultimately save lives.”

The law, originally House Bill 5318, will require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

WAUKEGAN – To ensure communities have a safe option to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Adriane Johnson supported a new Illinois law to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous and hurting families in every corner of our state,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This new law will protect our children and help prevent individuals from forming addictions by creating an option for community members to dispose of prescription drugs.”

SPRINGFIELD - A measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceptive delivery services was signed into law.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “We have to ensure that restaurants and bars are able to support themselves and that outside delivery services do not take advantage of many of our most beloved restaurants and eateries.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – A new Illinois law aims to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceitful delivery services with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“It’s not an honest business practice when delivery services can take advantage of local businesses without their knowledge or consent,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Restaurants and bars, particularly locally-owned businesses, should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to utilize delivery services.”

House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurants, bars and retail establishments.