Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Simmons Passes Right of First Refusal for Tenants through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve naturally-occurring affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons passed House Bill 957 which will provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase a residential building for themselves should the owner put the building up for sale or try to initiate a sale. Specifically, a 90-day notice would be required to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“With rising costs of living and the influence of private equity, residents across Illinois are feeling the strain, and this measure gives them tools to keep their homes,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements, and a transparent acquisition process.”

For many families, seniors and working residents, the sale of their building can mean uncertainty about whether they will be able to remain in their homes. House Bill 957 aims to provide a path to preserve housing when multi-unit residential properties are put up for sale by giving tenants, qualified nonprofit organizations and local governments an opportunity to keep those units affordable for current and future residents.

Read more: Simmons Passes Right of First Refusal for Tenants through the Senate

Illinois to have an official state bee under Ellman measure

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation through the Senate on Sunday to officially designate the black and gold bumblebee as the state bee of Illinois, recognizing the important role pollinators play in ecosystems and agriculture across the state.

“There’s a buzz among Springfield that this bill will highlight the critical pollinators that impact our environment, food systems and local ecosystems,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation is not only about recognizing an important native species, but also celebrating the students who turned their research and civic engagement into action.”

Read more: Illinois to have an official state bee under Ellman measure

Castro-led ban on cellphones in schools heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD — To keep students engaged in the classroom and promote better academic outcomes, State Senator Cristina Castro sponsored a measure that would ban cellphones during school time.

“Academic success depends on students being present during class so they can perform their best,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Keeping students’ minds engaged with teachers ensures a productive classroom environment.” 

Read more: Castro-led ban on cellphones in schools heads to governor

Holmes measure to strengthen unemployment insurance system passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – As workers and employers continue to navigate economic uncertainty, State Senator Linda Holmes advanced legislation to strengthen Illinois’ unemployment insurance system by protecting benefits, delaying planned contribution increases and helping workers access assistance faster after a mass layoff.

“Workers and employers alike benefit from stability and predictability,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This legislation reflects a collaborative approach that protects working families and individuals when they need it most, ensuring they have a sense of security during a major life change.”

Current law includes automatic changes beginning in 2027 that would temporarily reduce unemployment insurance benefits and increase employer contribution rates. Senate Bill 807 would delay those changes, pushing them to 2029, reducing the size of the temporary benefit decreases when they eventually take effect.

Read more: Holmes measure to strengthen unemployment insurance system passes Senate