DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation that would regulate the distance between schools or child care centers and establishments where nicotine containing products are sold.

“Increasing the distance between schools, child care centers and facilities and establishments selling nicotine containing products is a key step to keeping these products out of the hands of our children,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Increasing the distance between schools or child care centers and where nicotine-containing products can be sold is an imperative next step to keeping addictive and dangerous products out of the hands of those under the age of 21.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5^th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families.

“This investment is a significant win for our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “When a global company like Mars Snacking chooses to grow right here in our backyard, it means new jobs and long-term confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure and our future.”

Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for more than 1,000 jobs. The Accelerator division will also establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.

SPRINGFIELD—A resolution sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura would declare April 3, 2026 as Jane Goodall Day in Illinois in recognition of the life and work of Jane Goodall P.h.D., and the importance of conservation, sustainability, and living in peace with the environment.

“Dr. Jane Goodall dedicated her life to fostering a more sustainable society for the benefit of generations to come,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By honoring her on the day of her birth, we help continue the work she began in raising awareness on the importance of conservation and the path to a green future.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel joined the Illinois Legislative Neurodiversity Caucus to honor National Cerebral Palsy Day, World Autism Awareness Month, World Autism Day and World Neurodiversity Celebration Month by outlining the group’s goals for improving the lives of people who have disabilities.

“One of my goals since becoming a senator has been to improve the lives of children and students, including those who are neurodiverse or on the autism spectrum,” Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) said. “The purpose of our Neurodiversity Caucus is to hear what problems families are dealing with and find ways to make them better.”

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment are seeing options to update the law to reflect today’s technology. State Senator Linda Holmes filed legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in present day.

“The means to harass someone continues to expand from phones to electronic devices, offering platforms on which to send demeaning, frightening messages,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Emails, social media, forums and gaming are being used by those intending to cause emotional distress to the recipient, so laws need to be amended to address each offense separately.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner celebrated the 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, highlighting the importance of supporting farmers and the state’s agricultural industry.

“Illinois' agriculture industry is one of the driving forces for our state and plays a role in almost everything we do,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It drives jobs, exports and innovation. Agriculture is an essential and legacy industry to Illinois that powers our state’s economy.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. announced film production expenditures in Illinois reached a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, thanks to expanded incentives and workforce investments. This effort, which supported an estimated 18,000 in industry hires for the year, represents a 25% increase in film expenditures since 2019.

“The success of the Illinois film sector is a testament to the importance of strategic investments in the state's creative industries,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “This most recent expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit will increase job opportunities while bolstering our local economy throughout the state.”

Guzmán fights to address campus sexual harassment and raise awareness

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed committee.

“We cannot allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed on our college campuses,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “If student survivors experience digital sexual harassment or otherwise, there must be protections for them.”

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Turner, Halpin work to ban loud commercials

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Doris Turner and Mike Halpin are spearheading a measure that would curb program viewers’ discomfort and annoyance by banning loud commercials on streaming services.

“We all know the feeling when our show or movie cuts to a commercial and the volume gets louder, forcing us to constantly adjust the volume of our TVs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This problem is all too familiar, and frustrating, especially for parents with young kids who need to nap during the day and individuals with hearing sensitivity.”

“Families shouldn’t be subjected to unnecessarily loud commercials when they are trying to enjoy their favorite show,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This bill brings a commonsense change that protects consumers in Illinois.”

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Villanueva fights to advance environmental justice protections in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation that would strengthen environmental justice protections by ensuring state regulators consider the potential impacts on communities that have historically faced disproportionate environmental burdens when reviewing pollution control permits.

“For too long, communities already facing environmental burdens have been forced to carry a disproportionate share of pollution and its impacts,” Villanueva (D-Chicago) said. “This legislation ensures that environmental justice is part of the decision-making process so we can better protect the health and well-being of residents across Illinois.”

Read more.

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