SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a measure through the Senate that would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices.

“This legislation is not just about reforming systems — it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a proposal through the Senate to put in place state standards for Illinois school districts when it comes to emergency response and threat assessments.

“Parents have enough to worry about on a day-to-day basis, dropping their kids off at school should not be one of them,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Getting standardized plans set in place could save countless lives if an emergency occurs.”

Senate Bill 2057 would require the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The bill would allow ISBE and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. The bill would also give guidance for school districts notifying parents and the community of threats against a school.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring transparency and dignity to end-of-life care in Illinois correctional facilities, State Senator Adriane championed a measure that would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to publish annual reports on its hospice and palliative care programs.

“No one should face death alone and without dignity, regardless of where they are,” said Senator Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation will help us understand how the state is treating people at the end of their lives and allow lawmakers to make informed decisions on how to improve care for incarcerated individuals.”

Senate Bill 1524, an initiative of Access Living, was introduced in honor of Eddie Thomas—a man who died alone in a prison infirmary just five months after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, without access to any end-of-life care.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative addressing discriminatory school disciplinary practices championed by State Senator Karina Villa passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“A student being ticketed for behavior at school can result in them being thrown into the system, hindering their future opportunities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “School discipline that mirrors law enforcement practices is ineffective at addressing the root causes of student behavior.”

Senate Bill 1519 would ensure that no person is allowed to issue a fine or fee to a student as a disciplinary consequence for behavior during school. The bill would also require school districts with a school resource officer to have a memorandum of understanding with their local law enforcement agency, establishing that SROs are properly trained and do not use fines or tickets for disciplinary infractions.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the 55th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, highlighting the importance of supporting farmers and the state’s agricultural industry.

Illinois Ag Legislative Day is a long-standing tradition that allows Future Farmers of America members the opportunity to learn firsthand how to become strong advocates for the agriculture industry and agricultural education.

Additionally, these organizations provide baskets filled with agricultural products and specialty lunches for the legislators. These items serve as a reminder of the multiple facets agriculture touches in the lives of their constituents and the impacts their choices make on the industry.

SPRINGFIELD – According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, the average amount of money lost by victims of elder financial exploitation was $33,915 and total losses in 2023 exceeded $3.4 billion. At a press conference Wednesday, State Senator Steve Stadelman outlined his plan to protect and further prevent instances of elder financial abuse.

“It’s very common for older individuals to fall victim to financial abuse,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “The goal with this legislation is to protect our most vulnerable citizens and to ensure suspicious financial transactions can be paused until investigated.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission and preserve the state's Underground Railroad history passed the Senate Wednesday.

"This commission honors the courage of freedom seekers and highlights Illinois' critical role in their journey," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "By preserving and sharing these important historical sites, we ensure future generations understand and appreciate this powerful part of our state's story."

SPRINGFIELD – More than 84,000 Iowans live with severe mental illness and only about 35,000 of those are receiving treatment. State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to allow vulnerable mental health patients from Iowa to use Rock Island mental care facilities passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Our country is in the midst of a mental health crisis that crosses state lines,” said Halpin. “Expanding and maintaining mental health care access is a top priority.”