Senators Fine, Bryant and Fowler remain vigilant on plan prioritizing Choate residents’ wellbeing 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senators Laura Fine, Terri Bryant and Dale Fowler responded Thursday to a news investigation that uncovered abuse caught on camera at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois.  

“What has continued to happen at this facility is unacceptable,” said Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee. “Stronger oversight must be incorporated into the Choate transition plan to hold bad actors like this individual accountable so the state’s most vulnerable residents are kept safe.” 

Read more: Senators Fine, Bryant and Fowler remain vigilant on plan prioritizing Choate residents’ wellbeing 

Johnson measure to prohibit corporal punishment in private schools passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To safeguard students statewide and ensure they are treated with respect in schools, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed an initiative tackling corporal punishment in private and non-public schools.

“Corporal punishment can cause significant psychological harm, including fear, anxiety, depression, and a negative self-image,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “These impacts can affect a child’s mental health long-term.”

Read more: Johnson measure to prohibit corporal punishment in private schools passes Senate

Villa measure supporting body positivity advances

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would help promote healthy body image by facilitating practices for affordable access to laser hair removal treatment.

“Body image can affect a person’s mental health and self-esteem,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Providing greater access to these procedures will help thousands of individuals feel more comfortable with their appearance and allow them to decide how they wish to present.”

House Bill 4357 would provide that an on-site physician exam is not required prior to a non-ablative laser hair removal procedure under specific conditions.

Read more: Villa measure supporting body positivity advances

Castro legislation looks to strengthen workplace whistleblower protections

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure to strengthen Illinois’ anti-retaliation protections for employees who raise the alarm about issues like workplace safety.

“We have to make sure every employee in our state has protections when it comes to retaliation in the workplace,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Whistleblowers step up to keep others safe, and they ought to be protected for doing so.”

Castro is leading a measure to strengthen the current law prohibiting employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who blow the whistle on unlawful practices, including public health or safety threats, in the workplace. The legislation enhances whistleblower protections by expanding definitions and protected activity, and giving the Illinois Attorney General the ability to act on behalf of workers whose employers have retaliated against them for disclosing a dangerous or unlawful practice.

Read more: Castro legislation looks to strengthen workplace whistleblower protections