SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, the Board of Nursing at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation will have more authority to oversee the establishment and administration of new and existing nursing programs, creating consistency and a high standard of quality across all programs statewide.

“Nurses are essential to maintaining the health of our communities. It is important, for their well-being and ours, that our nursing programs meet national standards and provide transferable skills to young professionals,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure will allow nurses to move around the state if they choose and be recognized nationally for having an IL RN license.”

House Bill 1807 would require the Board of Nursing at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to oversee a variety of elements of new and existing nursing programs, including accreditation standards, program remediation, withdrawal or closure of programs, and more. The measure would give the Board of Nursing authority to approve or disapprove of program directors to ensure that the person selected is qualified for the role, as well as purview over the program curriculum and faculty members.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate to expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois.

“I am proud to lead the charge in implementing essential implicit bias training in health care surrounding maternal health risks associated with marginalized communities in particular Black communities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women. I will always advocate for every woman in Illinois to receive adequate, respectful, and dignified health care regardless of their background.”

SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead the passage of House Bill 1062 in the Senate, providing a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Broadband access should be available to all. This legislation aims to prioritize anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, which is critical for daily life.”

The Illinois Century Network (ICN) delivers wholesale internet services to public entities across the state — including schools, libraries and higher education institutions. However, without sufficient federal investment, the burden of expanding reliable broadband increasingly falls to the state.

SPRINGFIELD – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senator Lakesia Collins presented a resolution to honor July 25, 2025 as Emmett Till Day in the state of Illinois.

“It is important that we remember our history, and we remember the truth of what happened to Emmett Till,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “The courage of Mamie Till-Mobley should inspire all of us to work toward a better future for all Illinois residents as we remember their memory.”

Senate Joint Resolution 37 declares July 25, 2025 as Emmett Till Day in Illinois to recognize the life and legacy of Emmett Till and recognize the historical significance of his death in the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate to stop insurance companies from soliciting nursing home residents.

“We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Protections need to be in place to stop the endless flood of spam trying to swindle our seniors for a service they already have.”

House Bill 1865 would make it illegal to solicit a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or someone over the age of 65 to purchase accident and health insurance unless the insurance company waits 48 hours before making any insurance-related changes and the individual is given the ability to opt out.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt passed a bill through the Senate that would strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay.

“This key protection ensures workers are treated fairly and paid what they deserve for their labor,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “We’re fixing a loophole that left too many employees at a disadvantage — because in Illinois, we stand for fairness and dignity on the job.”

SPRINGFIELD — A measure from State Senator Robert Peters that would ensure the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed, is one step closer to becoming law.

“Illinois workers shouldn’t have to fear that their rights will disappear with the next change in Washington,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill ensures no matter what happens at the federal level, Illinois will remain firm in protecting its workers.”

The measure would prevent the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ bill would also require IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and would allow legal actions against employers who violate them.

SPRINGFIELD – Nationally, an estimated $2.8 billion worth of medications are wasted annually. To provide Illinoisans with cheaper alternatives and transparency within the Illinois Drug Reuse Program, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked with State Representative Laura Faver Dias to move House Bill 2346 through the Senate.

“Medications can be ridiculously expensive, often leaving people to decide between rent, groceries or their life-saving medicine,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill is critical to helping our most vulnerable communities and improves a well-established program that has helped countless Illinoisans.”

House Bill 2346 aims to strengthen the effectiveness of the Illinois Drug Reuse Program by increasing transparency for consumers, expanding access to safe, unused medications, and helping reduce medication waste.