SPRINGFIELD – Victims of hazing will have new and strengthened protections thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to support and protect victims of crime,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We are sending a clear message that consent obtained through duress, manipulation or an abuse of power will not be tolerated as a defense in our justice system. This law ensures that perpetrators cannot escape accountability by exploiting their victims.”

Stadelman’s new law mandates that consent from a victim does not absolve perpetrators from prosecution. This significant legislative change aims to reinforce the protections afforded to victims of crime and ensure justice is served.

“This legislation is about justice and fairness,” said Stadelman. “It acknowledges the complex dynamics at play in many criminal cases, especially those involving vulnerable populations. No one should feel powerless in the face of their abuser, and this law helps ensure that victims have the support and protection they deserve.”

Senate Bill 2934 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – In order to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton’s new law prohibits pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.

“Pharmacies must accept doctors’ prescriptions for approved medication regardless of how the prescription is sent to them,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Every Illinoisan deserves the right to their medication when they need it.”

In response to the opioid epidemic, Illinois passed a law in 2021 requiring prescriptions of controlled substance to be sent electronically. However, some pharmacists have been refusing to fill non-electronic prescriptions despite exceptions under the law. Glowiak Hilton’s new measure will clarify this process by prohibiting pharmacists from refusing to fill paper or non-electronic prescriptions.

“Denying someone of their medication could have serious medical consequences,” said Glowiak Hilton. “These are unnecessary barriers that must be addressed in our pharmacies to prevent potential harm.”

House Bill 4874 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Omar Aquino to provide direct services and residency opportunities to international medical graduate physicians was signed into law Friday.

“The global pandemic exacerbated existing challenges for our health care industry, and right now we’re leaving talent on the table as we continue to face a shortage of providers across the nation,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Dedicating resources to help support immigrant inclusion in the professional sector while opening pathways for licensure will go a long way toward ensuring patients can get the care they need.”

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago homeowners who pay into home equity assurance programs will soon be able to use their tax dollars to protect their home from flooding, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“Flooding in Chicago has been getting worse each year, posing a significant threat to homeowners, especially when their insurance won’t cover the steep costs associated with restoration after a flood,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Allowing home equity assurance programs to provide financial relief is a crucial step in terms of giving back to the communities that they serve.”

SPRINGFIELD – A majority of food on grocery store shelves is purchased out of state, which has led State Senator Dave Koehler to pass a law to make Illinois food more readily available on local store shelves.

“Our farmers play a significant role in our economy, and we should make every effort to have their produce in stores across our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law supports our family farmers and gives residents access to fresh local produce.”

Koehler’s law directs the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect our nation’s veterans from predatory business practices, State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative Stephanie Kifowit championed a new law combating businesses using deceptive practices to target veterans and their benefits.

“Our veterans are true American heroes and they deserve to have protections in all facets of their lives, especially when it comes to their hard-earned benefits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), a U.S. Navy veteran. “By protecting our veterans from exploitation, we’re making certain they have the support and respect they deserve and taking a crucial step forward in honoring their dedicated service.”

SPRINGFIELD – Under the Language Equity and Access Act, a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa, individuals whose primary language is not English will have access to essential state services.

“Our diverse communities have consistently shared their challenges when accessing essential state services due to language barriers that sometimes make an already confusing process much more difficult,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “State agencies should be equipped to provide services to any resident, regardless of their proficiency in English.”

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure consistent quality of care for residents when their nursing home changes ownership, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law requiring facilities to develop comprehensive transition plans.

“Nursing home residents should always receive high-quality care, even during facility ownership transitions” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law requires transfer plans from current owners to new owners to ensure nothing gets over looked.”

Senate Bill 3115 will require owners of a facility to submit a transition plan detailing how resident care and appropriate staffing levels will be maintained throughout the process of shifting ownership.