Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Koehler celebrates battery stewardship law and highlights safer recycling options for Illinois residents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is highlighting the impact of Illinois’ Battery Stewardship Act and the work underway to make battery recycling safer, easier and more accessible for residents across the state.

"This law is an important step forward for public safety and environmental protection, as every household relies on battery-powered devices," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "From the toys our children play with to the alarm clock that wakes us up every morning, batteries power all aspects of our lives.”

Senate Bill 3686, which became law in 2024, created Illinois’ battery stewardship program, requiring producers of covered batteries sold in Illinois to participate in an approved stewardship plan and encourages residents to participate in the proper disposal of batteries giving them clear and easy to find resources for proper disposal. Furthermore the law states that battery recycling is not only a safety issue but also a resource issue. Proper recycling helps recover valuable materials that can be reused rather than wasted, while reducing the risks associated with improper disposal.

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Porfirio champions legislation to increase road safety through Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mike Porfirio advanced two pieces of legislation that would create safer roadways for drivers, pedestrians and students on buses.

“We need to prioritize legislation that empowers our communities to make road safety changes where they need it most urgently,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “We must also be fair to drivers by ensuring that any revenue collected through traffic infractions are reinvested into initiatives that keep our community safe.”

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Preston bill creates more pathways to trades and technical careers

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois high school students may soon have more choices in their classes, thanks to a measure by State Senator Willie Preston that would allow alternatives to foreign language courses.

“Every student’s path looks different,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Some young people want to go straight into the workforce, learn a trade or skill they can actually use after graduation. We should be opening doors for students, not boxing them into a one-size-fits-all approach.”

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Ellman advances legislation modernizing prescription drug delivery rules

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

Current law generally requires wholesale drug distributors to deliver pharmaceuticals only to the address listed on a license and to individuals whose authorization to receive the drugs has been verified. Under the bill, non-controlled prescription drugs could also be delivered to a health care entity authorized by the license holder and reported to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

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