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strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed, is one step closer to becoming law.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 Peters’ bill would also require IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and would allow legal actions against employers who violate them.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.

SPRINGFIELD — Women in Illinois would have greater access to information about fertility and family planning under legislation from State Senator Glowiak Hilton, which passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“Family planning is a personal decision, and women deserve to know all the options available to them,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By making fertility information part of routine health care, we’re empowering women to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.”

According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the ability for a woman to get pregnant starts to decline at age 30. To assess a woman’s likelihood of getting pregnant on their own, health care providers can use ovarian reserve testing — a blood test and ultrasound — to estimate the number of healthy eggs in a woman’s ovaries.

SPRINGFIELD — People requiring laser hair removal due to a medical condition may soon be able to get this procedure covered by their insurance plans, thanks to a measure led in the Senate by State Senator Graciela Guzmán.

“Folks deserve to be able to undergo medically necessary procedures without paying massive bills out of pocket. Their insurance should do their due diligence and cover these treatments to improve their health and quality of life,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “I am proud to sponsor legislation that makes this treatment more accessible, because for many folks it is essential to their physical and mental health.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations.

“In missing persons cases, every second and small piece of information is paramount,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation works to give law enforcement effective strategies and protocols to solve cases and save lives.”

Senate Bill 24 would eliminate any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The bill would also require information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Under the measure, law enforcement agencies must adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, missing person reporting and follow-up action.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt presented Senate Resolution 5 to bring attention to the pressing issue of online safety for K-12 students and to support continued education aimed at preventing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behavior.

“Illinois students face real dangers in the digital world, and education is our strongest tool to keep them safe,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This resolution highlights the vital work already being done and encourages greater collaboration to expand these life-saving lessons.”

The resolution commends the work of organizations like the Illinois Judges Association, which partners with schools across the state to educate students about the risks associated with internet and social media use. These efforts include assemblies, classroom presentations, and family-focused events that emphasize the importance of online safety and the consequences of illicit digital behavior.

Senate Democrats outline plan to tackle teacher shortage

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly 90% of school districts across the state have reported a teacher shortage problem, with even more believing the crisis will worsen in the years to come. To tackle the school staffing crunch, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined solutions to the ongoing issue through a number of legislative measures.

Prior to entering a classroom full time, students studying education spend a semester or more as a student teacher. Student teaching is a full-time job without the full-time pay — typically without pay at all. This creates a systemic barrier for individuals who want to become teachers, but can’t afford to not receive compensation.

Read more.

Cunningham advances measure to expand leave for new parents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure that would ensure protected leave for employees whose newborns require intensive care after birth.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their job and sitting by their baby’s side in the NICU,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This measure provides working people the breathing room they need during a medical crisis.”

Read more.

Walker measure prioritizing digital consumer protection one step closer to law

SPRINGFIELD — According to a recent Pew Research poll, 63% of adult Americans have little to no confidence in the reliability and safety of crypto. Stronger consumer protections and greater consumer trust for those using digital coin are one step closer to becoming reality in Illinois thanks to State Senator Mark Walker.

“Illinois consumers need a safe environment to feel confident in engaging in this new digital market,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This legislation would build the bridge to promote trust between digital currency companies and consumers.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to enhance environmental protections for carbon sequestration, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to strengthen pipeline safety and protect pore space owners.

“The following legislation continues work to establish sustainable solutions addressing the needs of our landowners and our environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is essential that as Illinois continues to lead the nation in the carbon capture and sequestration industry, we have the strongest protections in place.”