SPRINGFIELD - Implicit bias training surrounding maternal health for health care workers will now be required in Illinois, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women in Illinois,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Protecting maternal health care is about more than health care, rather it is about human rights and we must protect the rights of all mothers.”

House Bill 2517 will expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois to include training in potential maternal health risk factors associated with marginalized communities with increased mortality rate.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine introduced legislation to address rising insurance premiums that are putting financial pressure on families across Illinois.

“Excessive increases in the cost of homeowners insurance are straining budgets for everyday Illinoisans statewide,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must do what we can to protect vulnerable families while also ensuring premium dollars are going towards paying out claims, not CEO bonuses.”

CHICAGO — To expand mental health screenings for Illinois’ children and tackle the staggering rise of these challenges in our youth — including increased rates of sadness, hopelessness and difficulty with schoolwork — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz led Senate Bill 1560, a new law that improves access to early detection, diagnosis and treatment among students in grades 3-12.

“This phase of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative is the boldest step to date,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Universal mental health screenings in schools help with early identification, and if a child requires services, the BEACON portal is there to assist in accessing comprehensive support and behavioral health services.”

Feigenholtz has worked alongside members of the Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, led by Dr. Dana Weiner, since 2022. Feigenholtz sponsored and passed the Interagency Children’s Behavioral Health Services Act in 2023, paving the way for the new BEACON portal, a centralized online platform for Illinois children and families seeking mental health services. Through BEACON, youth and caregivers can find services they qualify for, manage health records securely, receive real-time updates, and request additional case support.

Collins law helps residents deal with criminal trespassing

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

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Halpin and Johnson honor Congressman Evans' memory and legacy with highway dedication

ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

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Koehler applauds the new Adient manufacturing facility, bringing jobs and investment to normal

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler commended the announcement that Adient, a global automotive seating supplier, will open a new manufacturing facility in Normal, strengthening Central Illinois’ role in the electric vehicle industry and creating 75 new full-time jobs.

“This announcement is fantastic news for Central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Adient’s decision to locate in Normal not only builds on our region’s growing role in the EV supply chain, but it also brings new, good-paying jobs to our community.”

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Sound of the State: Addressing food insecury on college campuses

In this episode, State Senator Graciela Guzmán discusses her proposal to expand SNAP eligibility for college students and address food insecurity on college campuses in Illinois. Senator Guzmán goes into detail about her personal connection to the cause, and how this legislation could help over 100,000 students access basic nutrition while pursuing their education.

Listen here.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down the criminals bringing illegal guns into Illinois neighborhoods was signed into law.

“This will give the police the tools they need to track down illegal guns and the criminals that traffic them into our communities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Tracing guns used in crimes and sharing data across jurisdictions will help solve crimes and keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Under current law, firearm tracing is limited to specific scenarios. Cunningham’s measure broadens that scope by requiring firearm tracing in all cases where a gun is recovered at the scene of a crime, is used unlawfully or is believed to be associated with a crime. The new law also asks every law enforcement agency in Illinois to participate in the federal eTrace program, providing investigators with faster, more complete data on gun origins, trafficking patterns and crime links. This will ensure consistent reporting and firearm tracing across all counties, helping to close investigative loopholes and make communities safer statewide.

SPRINGFIELD – Unsecured weapons in homes have caused devastating and avoidable tragedies in recent years, particularly involving children and teenagers. State Senator Laura Ellman passed a critical public safety law to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are kept out of the hands of children, vulnerable populations and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Studies show that unsecured firearms, along with lost or stolen guns, are major contributors to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in three-fourths of school shootings, the shooter obtained the firearm from a parent or relative. Alarmingly, 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

Legislation championed by State Senator Willie Preston becomes reality with ribbon cutting ceremony

CHICAGO – In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the Illinois Secretary of State’s flagship building has been officially named in honor of Jesse White, the longest-serving and most respected Secretary of State in Illinois and American history. The dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting took place today in Chicago, marking the culmination of legislation spearheaded by State Senator Willie Preston.

“It was my honor to carry this legislation through the Senate to ensure the legacy of Secretary Jesse White is forever etched in the fabric of Illinois,” said Preston. “His decades of service, unwavering integrity, and transformative leadership have shaped not only the Secretary of State’s office, but public service in this state and across the nation.”

ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

Senate Joint Resolution 48 designates I-74 in the Quad Cities from 4^th Avenue to I-280 as the “Rep. Lane Evans Memorial Highway.” This designation pays honor and respect to former Congressman Evans’ service to his country.