Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Villanueva law to protect divested property owners from equity theft

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will soon see a new tax sale process that helps prevent financial windfalls for property owners facing foreclosure, thanks to a law State Senator Celina Villanueva championed that prioritizes returning surplus equity to divested property owners.

“It’s pertinent we recognize this previous property tax process for what it was: exploitative to the hardworking Illinoisans who pay their back taxes with hard-earned money,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It’s outright unfair to residents who have a property worth tens of thousands of dollars to have that property foreclosed on and be left with no recourse, no equity and, often times, no chance to rebuild their lives on a new property.” 

Read more: Villanueva law to protect divested property owners from equity theft

Loughran Cappel law to broaden autism diagnostic access for children

SPRINGFIELD – Realizing that Illinois does not have enough clinicians authorized to diagnose autism, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law to ensure early identification of autism in children, as well as medical and educational support.

“Due to the current shortage of medical professionals allowed to diagnose autism, children are waiting up to two years for an autism evaluation, which leaves families without support during their children’s critical early years,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We need to make sure children can receive evaluations in an appropriate time, and that they receive the support they need for a successful educational career and life.” 

Read more: Loughran Cappel law to broaden autism diagnostic access for children

Villanueva law to strengthen identity protections for youth in state’s care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led a new law to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“Regardless of where Illinois youth are placed, they deserve to feel respected and that their identities are being protected and affirmed by those assigned to care for them,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By implementing stronger protections for youth in DCFS’ care, we’re ensuring every case is met with a trauma-informed, comprehensive approach that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of our state’s youth.” 

Read more: Villanueva law to strengthen identity protections for youth in state’s care

Cunningham’s clean energy development for public schools becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s Senate Bill 3273 that clears the way for schools to develop solar energy projects has become law.

“With energy prices on the rise, our schools need every avenue to cut costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “By streamlining the process we are making it more convenient for schools to make the switch to a clean energy alternative.”

Under the new law electric utilities would be required to complete interconnection-related evaluations, reviews and screenings within 30 days after determining that a request is complete. Public school projects would also bypass the standard interconnection queue, allowing them to move forward more quickly.

Read more: Cunningham’s clean energy development for public schools becomes law