Stadelman legislation cracks down on unfair rental broker fees

SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from unfair and excessive housing costs, State Senator Steve Stadelman is spearheading legislation that would prevent landlords from passing broker and leasing agent fees onto tenants.

“Renters are already facing significant upfront housing costs, and they should not be forced to pay broker fees for services hired by a landlord or property owner,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation creates a fairer and more transparent rental process by ensuring the party who hires the broker is responsible for paying that fee.”

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Collins measure to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct in schools passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced legislation to improve reporting requirements, reinforce professional boundaries between educators and students, and increase transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“Every student deserves to feel safe and supported at school,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure will strengthen safeguards for children by giving schools clearer expectations, stronger reporting tools and additional accountability measures designed to prevent misconduct before it occurs.” 

Read more: Collins measure to strengthen protections against sexual misconduct in schools passes committee

Simmons Advances Legislation to Provide Tenants with Right of First Refusal

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation that would provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase their property, specifically with a 90- day notice to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“As housing costs continue to rise and private equity gentrification continues to threaten communities like Edgewater, Rogers Park and all of Illinois, we need practical tools that help keep working families, seniors and long-time residents in the communities they call home,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements and a transparent acquisition process.”

Read more: Simmons Advances Legislation to Provide Tenants with Right of First Refusal

Senate Democrats Advocate for Housing Access and Affordability

Why has housing become one of the biggest affordability issues facing Illinois families? In this episode, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus discuss a new legislative package focused on expanding housing supply, reducing barriers to development, protecting renters, and addressing the growing role of private equity in the housing market.