SPRINGFIELD – Relief from drug shortages is coming soon for Illinoisans with prescription medications, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“No one wants to have to call every pharmacy in their area just to see if their medication is in stock. This process takes precious time, and some pharmacies won’t give out that information over the phone,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “What’s worse is when generic medication is unavailable while brand-name medication is, the patient’s insurance often times won’t cover it. This can result in patients paying tens or hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket just to maintain their health.”

Murphy’s measure will require group health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand-name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.

SPRINGFIELD – Families will now have enhanced college savings opportunities thanks to State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“This law gives families peace of mind, knowing that their hard-earned savings will not go to waste,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “By enabling the rollover of unused funds into a retirement account, we are helping young adults build a secure financial foundation for the future.”

The law allows parents with 529 college savings plans to utilize unused or leftover college or trade school funds by adding them to a retirement account. This provision ensures that savings intended for educational purposes can continue to benefit the student, even if their educational expenses are less than anticipated.

“I remain committed to providing flexible, forward-looking financial situations for Illinois families,” said Stadelman. “By ensuring that educational savings can be effectively repurposed, we are helping create a more secure and prosperous future for our children.”

Senate Bill 3133 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

Reproductive care and treatment remain legal, protected and accessible in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Standing strong on the issue of safeguarding women’s health, State Senator Cristina Castro championed the effort to expand access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization through a measure signed into law Friday.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans, leaving thousands of hopeful parents in Illinois and across the United States unable to have a child on their own,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The possibility of starting a family through advanced treatments like IVF represents hope for so many of these individuals – and this law takes steps to protect and expand access for the thousands who rely on it.”

To address cost barriers that limit access to treatments like IVF for families across the state, the new law requires every group health insurance policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting Jan. 1, 2026. It also adds coverage for an annual menopause health visit for those age 45 and older.

AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead service lines in this second phase of lead service line replacement.

“Safe drinking water is necessary for the health and safety of every member of the community,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Lead contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children. This funding represents a considerable investment in clean, safe drinking water for all residents and protecting this essential resource for future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD — For the first time in nearly 75 years, Illinois will see strengthened protections for youth in the workforce thanks to State Senator Robert Peters.

“Young people in the current workforce encounter challenges unique to their generation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “These updates to our child labor laws are needed to safeguard their rights and well-being, ensuring our youngest residents have a healthy balance between their work responsibilities, schooling, extracurricular activities and personal lives.”

With support from the AFL-CIO and the Illinois Department of Labor, Peters spearheaded the overhaul of the Illinois Child Labor Law to provide more protections for youth in the workforce by addressing working conditions, age requirements and sectors prone to exploitation.

CHICAGO – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined Governor JB Pritzker to sign the Birth Equity Initiative into law. The new law will assist mothers and soon-to-be-mothers with receiving community-based health care options and resources.

“As a Black woman with three boys, this legislation is personal to me. The increasing rates of infant and maternal mortality, particularly among Black women, demand urgent action,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “This law is not just about health care — it's about justice, equality and the right of every mother and child to have access to the safest and most effective care, ultimately reducing mortality rates and ensuring healthier futures for Illinois families.”

Under the new law, private insurers will be required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies will need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

CHICAGO—Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are proud to have been part of the announcement of the site for the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at USX on the South Side of Chicago. and its first tenant was announced to be leading quantum company PsiQuantum.

" Illinois plants a flag and reminds the world of the leadership role we play in technology,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I can’t think of a better location to send that message. This site connects the power of our past with the promise for our future."

Quantum computing is rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. The quantum campus, also known as the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, will include shared cryo facilities, equipment labs, and spaces for both private companies and Illinois’ research universities to collaborate and research. The Chicago site has 128 acres ready for immediate development and an additional 312 acres available for expansion. Its strategic location near Lake Michigan and the Calumet River will provide the water sources needed for cooling, and the site can accommodate the 200MW of power needed.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats welcome $23.8 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, awarded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 10 counties across Illinois.

“I have and always will be a strong supporter for the creation of additional affordable housing opportunities not just in my district but across Illinois,” said Assistant Majority Leader Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “There still remain many hurdles to creating housing options for our most vulnerable and I will keep fighting in Springfield to ensure developments like 6301 S Western continue to go from a dream to reality.”

The Illinois Housing Development authority focused on three core policy priorities in their Qualified Allocation Plan, which governs the Illinois’ LIHTC program. These developments will focus on improving statewide equity, helping vulnerable populations and sustainability and energy efficiency, offering 782 affordable units for low to moderate-income families, seniors and persons with special needs upon completion.