Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to restrict the construction, operation and placement of federal immigration detention facilities to locations no closer than 1,500 feet from designated protected sites, including educational institutions, child care facilities, places of worship and private residences.

“We need to keep places where children and families gather safe from federal interference,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This law is Illinois telling the federal administration that we won't allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts has been signed into law.

“Too many families have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help ensure people know where to turn during a crisis and give our communities additional tools to bolster suicide prevention efforts.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to require athletic head coaches to learn life-saving techniques has been signed.

“Student athletes depend on coaches for not only leadership and guidance, but also safety during high-intensity activities,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “CPR training equips coaches with the skills and confidence to act quickly in cardiac emergencies and protect the lives of those in their care.”

House Bill 3275 will require all paid school head coaches and chief sponsors of the sports activities to obtain training in CPR, first aid and the use of an AED. School districts will be required to conduct an annual cardiac response drill to practice the steps established in its cardiac emergency response plan. The drills are able to be conducted without student participation.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is taking on women's health care gaps — having led newly signed legislation to expand menopause treatment access and crack down on workplace discrimination against those dealing with related conditions.

“Illinois should be a leader in caring for women going through perimenopause and menopause — and that means removing the obstacles that have held too many back from getting help,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Requiring private insurance to cover these evaluations and treatments will make care more affordable and help prevent serious long-term health issues.”

Under previous law, Illinois required insurance coverage for FDA-approved menopause treatment to ensure a person’s income does not obstruct them from receiving sufficient care. Lightford’s new law will broaden coverage requirements, mandating private health plans in the state cover the medically necessary evaluation and treatment of menopause and perimenopause conditions, including hormone conditions and medications.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s legislation to formalize mobile IDs and protect personal devices has become law.

“More and more of our personal information is digitized and contained within our personal devices, which has made many of us hesitant to hand over an unlocked phone to anyone,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one should be required to hand over such a precious piece of personal privacy just to prove their identity.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law uplifts domestic violence survivors, addresses emerging forms of digital abuse and expands access to legal protections.

“Our laws must evolve to reflect the realities of the digital era and the way that technology can be used against domestic violence survivors,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Survivors deserve laws that prioritize their safety, privacy and peace of mind. We do this by strengthening our laws to ensure that survivors are protected from threats, stalking and intimidation in all forms including digital harassment.”

Senate Bill 3020 updates the state’s criminal laws to better reflect the ways abuse can occur in the digital age and ensures survivors have greater access to court protections. Johnson’s law expands the definition of harassment to include conduct such as electronic tracking, doxing and the nonconsensual creation or dissemination of digitally altered sexual images and other harmful online content.

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings championed a law that will protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“For too long Illinoisans have been hit with rate increases that far outpace inflation and wage growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “From just 2021 to 2024, homeowners insurance costs in Illinois surged by nearly 50 percent, adding almost $1,000 a year to a typical family’s expenses.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that regulates auto insurance premiums in Illinois.

“Auto insurance are one of the most costly bills a consumer can pay – but people who rely on their car to get them to work, school and appointments can’t simply go without coverage,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It’s time we hold auto insurers accountable and implement policies that prevent unpredictable premium increases on working-class families.”

According to Insurify, the average Illinois driver saw an 18% increase in premiums costs for full-coverage auto insurance between 2023 and 2024, while the national average is estimated to be 11.3% ─ almost 7% lower.
To ensure a fair and affordable auto insurance marketplace for Illinoisans, the law provides transparency and accountability as it relates to premium increases through a clear framework, oversight from the Illinois Department of Insurance and expanded options for residents over age 55 to reduce insurance premium costs.

Specifically, the law prohibits companies from increasing premiums by more than 10% without first notifying the consumer 30 days prior to renewal. It also prohibits auto insurance premiums from being excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory and creates a determination hearing process through the Department of Insurance if it finds rates are excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.

Additionally, the law secures a path to relief for residents over age 55 by allowing the Illinois Secretary of State to find a course that meets or exceeds the standards of the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course's four-hour classroom safety instruction program so residents see reduced premium costs upon completion of the course.

“For years, Illinois drivers have been forced to accept steep insurance rate increases with virtually no oversight and no recourse,” Giannoulias said. “Today, that changes – and it’s because thousands of Illinoisans spoke out, shared their stories and demanded a fairer system. This law puts consumers first by giving Illinois the authority to challenge excessive rate hikes – increasing transparency in the insurance marketplace and ensuring drivers are no longer left paying the price.”

“By regulating auto insurance rate increases, we are ensuring affordable, accessible transportation options for our neighbors while we combat the increasing cost of living,” said Villivalam.

Senate Bill 714 was signed into law Tuesday and takes effect July 1, 2027.