News

Stadelman law strengthens orders of protections for Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

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Patients, clients to be protected from sexual abuse in state's health care system under Villanueva law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a new law that will implement stricter, mandatory reporting requirements when a patient or client experiences sexual abuse or misconduct perpetrated by a licensed health care professional.

“Being assaulted or exploited doesn’t only cause physical harm, but it also leads to severe, long-lasting emotional turmoil and often times completely eradicates that patient’s trust in our health care system,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Health care professionals across this country take an oath to do no harm, so when a doctor, nurse, practitioner, clinician or any other professional takes advantage of their patient, they must be swiftly brought to justice.”

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Porfirio law to provide local flexibility for urgent road safety concerns

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Mike Porfirio will allow local governments to take swift action to solve road safety hazards if certain criteria are met.

“My priority will always be to keep our road roads safe both for drivers and pedestrians, especially in areas of critical need,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I will always support study-backed solutions to solving road safety issues, but in instances of urgent safety hazards, we need to enable local governments to take quick action to protect residents.”

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State Senator Joyce, Essex: New Illinois law updates weight limits for modern farm equipment | WFIW

State Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: Illinois bill streamlines manufacturing career paths for high schoolers | Manufacturing Drive

State Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: New IL law prohibits private schools from banning religious hairstyles | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Harmon, Turner join renaming of historic Springfield armory to Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon and State Senator Doris Turner joined a number of Springfield leaders to celebrate the Illinois State Armory’s renaming as the Governor Jim Edgar Executive Office Building – honoring his legacy of integrity and dedication to public service.

“Governor Jim Edgar’s legacy continues to live on,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Governor Edgar dedicated his life to serving the people of Illinois with integrity, humility and a deep commitment to the people of Illinois. Today we preserve the legacy of a governor who believed in putting Illinois families first and bringing people together to get things done.”

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Lightford leads law barring federal immigration detention centers near schools, homes and churches

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to restrict the construction, operation and placement of federal immigration detention facilities to locations no closer than 1,500 feet from designated protected sites, including educational institutions, child care facilities, places of worship and private residences.

“We need to keep places where children and families gather safe from federal interference,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This law is Illinois telling the federal administration that we won't allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our communities.”

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Belt's suicide prevention measure signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts has been signed into law.

“Too many families have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help ensure people know where to turn during a crisis and give our communities additional tools to bolster suicide prevention efforts.”

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State Senator Michael Hastings, Frankfort: Pritzker signs school panic alert systems bill into law | WAND

State Senator Patrick Joyce, Essex: Joyce hunting rifle bill signed into law | The Times Weekly

State Senator Julie Morrison, Lake Forest: Illinois recognizes gambling addiction, allowing new treatment options | WMOI 97.7

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Senate Democrats secure back-to-school sales tax holiday

SPRINGFIELD — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus continue their efforts to improve affordability for all Illinois families by implementing a back-to-school state tax holiday. From Aug. 7 through Aug. 16, state sales tax on back-to-school necessities will be waived. By taking advantage of this ten-day initiative, parents and students alike can enter the school year confident, prepared, and well-equipped for the year ahead.

“For families already balancing the rising costs of everyday life, school supply expenses can add significant pressure to the household budget,” said State Senator Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “Through the Back-to-School sales tax holiday, we are relieving some of that burden and giving parents a little more breathing room.”

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Domestic violence survivors have stronger protections under Johnson's law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Adriane Johnson’s new law uplifts domestic violence survivors, addresses emerging forms of digital abuse and expands access to legal protections.

“Our laws must evolve to reflect the realities of the digital era and the way that technology can be used against domestic violence survivors,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Survivors deserve laws that prioritize their safety, privacy and peace of mind. We do this by strengthening our laws to ensure that survivors are protected from threats, stalking and intimidation in all forms including digital harassment.”

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Hastings landmark insurance reform signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — Capping off years of advocacy and negotiations, State Senator Michael E. Hastings championed a law that will protect Illinois homeowners from unfair rate hikes similar to those endured in the last few years.

“For too long Illinoisans have been hit with rate increases that far outpace inflation and wage growth,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “From just 2021 to 2024, homeowners insurance costs in Illinois surged by nearly 50 percent, adding almost $1,000 a year to a typical family’s expenses.”

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Senator Willie Preston, Chicago: Governor signs Children’s Online Social Media Safety Act | WBBM Newsradio

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: New Illinois law protects religious hairstyles in public, non-religious schools | Telegraph Herald

Senator Doris Turner, Springfield: New law changes name of Jacksonville school to the Illinois School for the Blind | NPR Illinois

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

New Castro law to ban cell phones in classrooms

ELGIN — To strengthen student engagement and support academic success, a new law championed by State Senator Cristina Castro will create a statewide school cellphone ban, helping schools foster distraction-free learning environments.

“Teachers should not have to compete with a cellphone for a student’s attention,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By removing this distraction from the classroom, we are giving educators a better opportunity to engage students and help them succeed.”

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Feigenholtz: Everyone has a right to self-determination

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will soon join a growing list of states that have maximized independence by expanding alternatives to traditional guardianship under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Individuals should be able to make independent choices regarding their personal and financial life decisions,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “This new law will support that goal, giving people the freedom to decide for themselves, while ensuring guidance is there when they need it.”

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Simmons expansion to Jett Hawkins Act protecting religious hairstyles becomes law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law expands the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“We are expanding protections for students across Illinois,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This expansion ensures that individuals expressing their identity through religious hairstyles can continue in school without the fear of persecution.”

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Senator Christopher Belt, Swansea: Belt law to protect consumers from unfair service fees | Illinois Business Journal

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago: Digital driver's license cleanup bill on Pritzker's desk | WGEM

Senator Patrick Joyce, Essex: Joyce hunting rifle bill signed into law | The Times Weekly

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Loughran Cappel law to allow full-time licenses for paraprofessionals with short-term approval licenses

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that lets paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license get a full license after their short-term license expires.

“Illinois’ teacher shortage is impacting children’s ability to learn,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When we invest in the people already showing up for our students every day, we don’t just fill classrooms – we build careers, strengthen communities and deepen the roots of education from the inside out.”

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Turner law strengthens school policies for service animals

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

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Hastings' missing persons identification measure signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work getting legislation signed into law that will accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“This legislation hits close to the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Dan Davis, a hardworking man with a routine life suddenly vanishes after what may have been a health crisis. A daughter tirelessly gathering footage, organizing searches and raising awareness. Family and friends left in limbo, wondering if he’s safe, disoriented or in need of help. It reminds us how quickly life can change and how urgently we need better tools to bring people home.”

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Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin: Illinois to launch blue envelope program for autistic drivers Jan. 1 | Herald-Whig

Senator Bill Cunningham, Chicago, and Julie Morrison, Lake Forest: Gov. Pritzker signs legislation to increase the number of law enforcement candidates and strengthen Scott's Law | Riverbender

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago: Exoneree restitution law expanded | Illinois Times

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved