Villanueva measure to solidify protections for domestic violence survivors passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure that would ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“It has been proven time and time again that when an abuser has access to a firearm, it increases the likelihood of domestic violence lethality more than tenfold, which is exactly why I have fought to safeguard victims of domestic violence in Illinois by allowing for the confiscation of an abuser’s firearms,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “However, our work is far from over, and this measure is one more step we can take to ensure the safety of Illinoisans – especially women and children – is taken seriously by our state’s justice system.”

Senate Bill 3329 would solidify protections for victims of domestic violence under Karina’s Law. Signed into law in February 2025, Karina’s Law addresses the growing concern surrounding firearms and domestic violence by clarifying and strengthening the law around orders of protection, requiring law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge issuing an order revoking the individual’s FOID card.

Read more: Villanueva measure to solidify protections for domestic violence survivors passes Senate

Ellman measure aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman is working to advance legislation aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive.”

Read more: Ellman measure aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

Senate Democrats applaud IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center

CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the announcement of IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center, which will be part of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and create 750 full-time jobs, with a commitment to hiring from a new City Colleges apprenticeship program.

“This announcement is a win for City Colleges students, Illinois workers and our state’s economy,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “By supporting forward-thinking partnerships that bring the next generation to the table, Illinois is solidifying its status as a global leader in the technologies of the future.”

Read more: Senate Democrats applaud IBM’s new FutureNow Chicago delivery center

Reducing light pollution statewide, Ellman champions new energy-efficient lighting standards

SPRINGFIELD – Artificial light at night is estimated to contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year in the U.S., while also disrupting nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, according to the National Audubon Society. State Senator Laura Ellman is working to address these impacts with legislation through the Senate aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Senate Bill 3037 is an important step in combating rising costs on energy bills. This legislation ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy.”

Read more: Reducing light pollution statewide, Ellman champions new energy-efficient lighting standards