CHICAGO – A pair of proposals that State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) sponsored to modernize marriage certificates in Illinois are now law, after being signed by the governor Tuesday.

“Today, we commit to righting the wrongs of the past and providing a path for our residents to live a life that truly reflects how they identify,” Feigenholtz said.

Under Senate Bill 139, married couples will now be able to request a marriage certificate from their county clerk without any gender identifying language. This includes changing terms like "bride" and "groom" to gender neutral alternatives, such as "spouse."

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance coverage for infertility treatment for all women, regardless of marital status, will be accessible under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was signed into law Tuesday. 

“Every woman in Illinois deserves insurance coverage for infertility treatment,” Senator Fine said. “If a woman is experiencing fertility issues, she should be covered by insurance regardless of her age, medical history, partner status or sexual orientation.”

Current coverage requirements only protect infertility treatments for women under 35 who are unable to become pregnant after one year of trying, women over 35 who are unable to become pregnant after six months, and women who are not medically able to conceive.

CHICAGO – Individuals living with HIV will no longer have to fear prosecution thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“The criminalization of HIV does not line up with current science,” Peters said. “These laws are outdated, dangerous, and discriminatory, and have no place in modern society. Starting today, individuals who are living with this difficult medical condition will no longer have to worry about experiencing legal consequences for simply living their lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – Longstanding champions of the fight against the ongoing opioid epidemic, State Senators Melinda Bush and Mattie Hunter applaud the Illinois Department of Human Services’ $14 million investment to expand access to lifesaving overdose medication.

“Narcan is as essential as having a working fire alarm in your home. The overdose crisis is killing at least 10 Illinoisans or 250 Americans every single day. That’s more than car crashes, homicides or suicides,” said Bush (D-Grayslake). “Thanks to IDHS expanding access, organizations like Live4Lali can distribute it to anyone, anytime for free. Overdose is preventable and reversible. This is a huge advancement in our fight to save our lives.”

Illinois Senate Democrats understand the importance of working in their community to best understand the needs of their constituents. Last week, they engaged with residents throughout the state through a variety of events.

To help combat some of the stress so many have felt over the past year, State Senators Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) hosted a Mental Wellness Fair to provide mental health resources to their community.

“This past year was tough on many of us,” Holmes said. “It is essential that we help provide our community with information about how to address their mental health needs and find tools to make adjustments in their lives for the better.”

The event featured various local partners like 360 Youth, NAMI DuPage, the Will County Office of Substance Use Initiative and more.

AURORA — Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) invites local residents and friends to the Grand Opening of her new office in Aurora on Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.

“We moved our office during the middle of the pandemic, so this is our first chance to welcome everyone in safely,” Holmes said. “My staff is looking forward to greeting visitors at last.”

Local and state dignitaries are expected to join Holmes for an official ribbon cutting. Guests will be offered free ice cream for the celebration as well.

For health reasons, unvaccinated guests are asked to wear masks. Guests are also asked to RSVP so Holmes’ office has plenty of ice cream.

Media are welcome to attend. Ample parking is available.

WHAT:  Grand opening of new Aurora office of Senator Linda Holmes

WHEN:    Thursday, July 29 from 4-6 p.m.

WHERE:  4255 Westbrook Dr.

                  Suite 216

                  Aurora, IL 60504

RSVP:      630-820-8650

SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois who offer installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit the use of these loans, was signed into law Friday.

“This doesn’t just happen in payday loan stores, they’ve been getting away with predatory lending interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150% and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills – some in poor condition – so these consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”

SPRINGFIELD – The work of Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and an Electronic Notarization Task Force produced a report detailing the benefits for Illinoisans that was provided to the governor and General Assembly, and its findings led to a measure sponsored by Holmes that has been signed by the governor on Friday.

Senate Bill 2664 sets standards for appointment as an electronic notary, creates definitions for electronic notarization; codifies best practices of the National Association of Notaries for electronic notarization; and implements safeguards to ensure the integrity of the technology and the process of electronic notarization.

“I was convinced this was a step to update a process many people use but sometimes can’t find a notary nearby,” Holmes said. “Over the past year, the need for a convenient, protected method for notarization for businesses and consumers became even more obvious.”