Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Stadelman-passed law targets older adult financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for older adults and vulnerable individuals facing abuse, neglect and financial exploitation has been signed into law, providing courts with additional tools to intervene quickly and prevent further harm.

“Financial exploitation can be devastating, stripping vulnerable individuals of their savings, independence and security,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will give courts and law enforcement the ability to act swiftly when exploitation is suspected, helping protect victims and preserve their assets before irreversible damage occurs.”

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Lightford champions law to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation by empowering banks, credit unions and investment firms to intervene when suspicious activity is detected on a vulnerable adult's account.

“Financial exploitation is one of the most devastating forms of elder abuse, and it often goes undetected until serious damage has already been done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “House Bill 4911 gives banks, credit unions and financial professionals the authority and the protection they need to step in when something doesn't look right – and that could make all the difference for a vulnerable adult and their family.” 

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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.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive. 

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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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