Collins excited for signing of Liam’s Law to provide closure to parents experiencing a stillbirth
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to support and see the signing of Liam’s Law that will provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.
“This law will give grieving families more supportive options when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is important these parents know what their rights are during a loss of pregnancy as they go through what can be the hardest time of an individual’s life.”
Collins measure, Liam’s Law, will better support families in these circumstances. The measure will require hospitals to notify the parents of their right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in a stillbirth following a spontaneous fetal death during or after the second trimester.
Hotel industry to reduce plastic waste thanks to Fine law
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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste across Illinois, State Senator Laura Fine championed a law to phase out the use of small, single-use plastic bottles in hotels.
“Tiny plastic bottles provided by hotels that contain personal care products, like shampoo and conditioner, produce unnecessary plastic pollution,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By taking an environmentally conscious approach to hospitality, we can reduce plastic pollution across the state and throughout our waterways.”
Sen. Fine’s law, known as the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act, requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan. 1, 2026, all hotels with fewer than 50 rooms are expected to make this transition.
Read more: Hotel industry to reduce plastic waste thanks to Fine law
Villa law expands recycling and composting
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SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa will require large event facilities to recycle and compost materials to address the significant amount of waste created at large scale events.
“Advocating for the health of our environment ensures the health of our communities which has been long recognized by our state,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This law will maintain Illinois’ standing as a leader in environmental policy.”
The new law requires large event facilities with a legal occupancy of at least 3,500 people to participate in their county recycling program and compost organic materials produced during an event held at the facility. Those found to be in violation of this law will face fines up to $1,500 for the first offense and $2,500 for each subsequent offense.
Governor signs Faraci’s initiative to expand mental health access for first responders
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice was signed into law.
“As we see the federal government start to crack down on non-compete agreements, it’s important that we stay ahead of the curve in Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The goal of this initiative is to expand access for veterans and first responders who want to receive mental health treatment from the licensed professional of their choice.”
The measure was brought to Senator Faraci because a mental health provider was sued for providing health care services to a firefighter under a non-compete clause. These clauses are common when a mental health professional leaves their place of employment; often times their contract contains a non-compete clause, leaving them unable to provide services within a 50-mile radius for two years. Police, fire and veteran organizations often want to contract mental health professionals that have a shared background or an establishment of trust with the organization, making these non-compete clauses detrimental to mental health care access for first responders and veterans. In the 52nd District, a non-compete clause would not only prevent a mental health counselor from providing services in Champaign, but it would also stop them from providing services in surrounding communities, including Urbana, Rantoul and Danville.
Read more: Governor signs Faraci’s initiative to expand mental health access for first responders
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