SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is leading a measure to protect children and help survivors of sexual abuse seek justice.

“Sexual abuse is always traumatic for children – full stop. But with this legislation, we can give them stronger support if they choose to bring an action in court,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “No one should have to sit in a court room and defend themselves after being victimized as a child.”

Under the initiative, House Bill 222, the use of contributory fault as a tactic to reduce damages in childhood sexual abuse cases would be prohibited. Further, the measure would treat all childhood sexual abuse or contact as inherently harmful in a court of law, which would eliminate the need for the survivor to present further evidence of trauma.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is continuing his efforts to improve access to mental health care for veterans and first responders through legislation aimed at strengthening recent reforms.

“First responders and veterans deserve unrestricted access to the care they need to protect their mental health,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This measure ensures there’s no uncertainty about who is covered under this law and reinforces our commitment to improving mental health access in Illinois.”

Earlier this year, Faraci sponsored Senate Bill 2737 to ensure first responders and veterans can seek mental health care from providers of their choice by limiting the impact of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, was prompted by concerns from a mental health provider who was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure patients suffering from chronic pain receive recommended treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to authorize physicians to prescribe controlled substances according to updated federal guidelines.

“To combat the opioid epidemic, in 2016 states instituted policies that severely restricted the prescribing of certain opioids," said Fine (D-Glenview). “As a result, chronic pain patients with a legitimate need for these medications were at risk of self-medicating and putting their mental and physical health in jeopardy.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is sponsoring legislation to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers in Illinois.

“We need a plan for Illinois families and childcare providers to be able to find the best employees possible,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By getting feedback from all parties, we can create a comprehensive plan that sets children, families and providers up for success.”

Under the legislation, the existing State Comprehensive Day Care Plan survey of day care facilities would include feedback from groups and individuals with relevant expertise and lived experiences with the goal of promoting workforce recruitment and retention for educators and childcare providers.

SPRINGFIELD — To uplift the vital economic contributions the arts industry provides to Illinois and the Northwest Suburbs, State Senator Cristina Castro helped lead an initiative through the Senate to support this industry and others.

“Illinois’ creative and performing arts industries employ nearly 200,000 Illinoisans,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With more flexible rules in place, well-paying job opportunities and a diverse pool of talent, we can expect to see continuing success in the growth of the arts across our state.”

The Illinois Live Theater Production Tax Credit Program provides theaters with a transferable tax credit, offering an incentive to hire locally by covering a percentage of Illinois labor and in-state talent costs.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa, securing language assistance during state agency administrative hearings passed the Senate on Wednesday with support from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

“Maneuvering government procedures can be overwhelming and difficult, especially when a language barrier is present,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Building upon the Language Equity and Access Act that was signed into law in August, this will ensure that every Illinois resident has the same degree of access during hearings, regardless of their proficiency in English.”

House Bill 5172 would require state agencies to provide competent and accurate interpretive assistance for self-represented and low-income individuals with limited English proficiency during any stage of a substantive administrative hearing.

SPRNGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure out of the Senate Education Committee ensuring students’ have access to counseling services regardless of citizenship status.

“Access to counseling ensures all students can succeed and are supported, regardless of their backgrounds,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By providing access to student counseling without barriers, schools affirm their role as inclusive and supportive environments where all students can grow and prevail.”

Senate Bill 469 would make clarifying changes to ensure all students would be served by school counselors regardless of their citizenship status. Research shows that students with access to effective school counselors tend to have better academic outcomes, including higher graduation rates, increased college attendance, and improved academic performance.

SPRINGFIELD — Despite research indicating improved stability and emotional well-being for children placed with relative caregivers, over 60% of these caregivers in Illinois are denied the financial support received by unrelated foster care parents. To address this disparity, State Senator Mattie Hunter advanced a measure through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday aimed at removing barriers and strengthening kinship care.

“We know children are more likely to thrive when they remain connected to their families and culture,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “However, many relatives who step into the caregiver role — often at a moment’s notice — face significant financial challenges.”