SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to give law enforcement stronger tools to track down the criminals bringing illegal guns into Illinois neighborhoods was signed into law.

“This will give the police the tools they need to track down illegal guns and the criminals that traffic them into our communities,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Tracing guns used in crimes and sharing data across jurisdictions will help solve crimes and keep dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Under current law, firearm tracing is limited to specific scenarios. Cunningham’s measure broadens that scope by requiring firearm tracing in all cases where a gun is recovered at the scene of a crime, is used unlawfully or is believed to be associated with a crime. The new law also asks every law enforcement agency in Illinois to participate in the federal eTrace program, providing investigators with faster, more complete data on gun origins, trafficking patterns and crime links. This will ensure consistent reporting and firearm tracing across all counties, helping to close investigative loopholes and make communities safer statewide.

SPRINGFIELD – Unsecured weapons in homes have caused devastating and avoidable tragedies in recent years, particularly involving children and teenagers. State Senator Laura Ellman passed a critical public safety law to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are kept out of the hands of children, vulnerable populations and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Studies show that unsecured firearms, along with lost or stolen guns, are major contributors to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in three-fourths of school shootings, the shooter obtained the firearm from a parent or relative. Alarmingly, 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a gun that belonged to a family member.

Legislation championed by State Senator Willie Preston becomes reality with ribbon cutting ceremony

CHICAGO – In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the Illinois Secretary of State’s flagship building has been officially named in honor of Jesse White, the longest-serving and most respected Secretary of State in Illinois and American history. The dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting took place today in Chicago, marking the culmination of legislation spearheaded by State Senator Willie Preston.

“It was my honor to carry this legislation through the Senate to ensure the legacy of Secretary Jesse White is forever etched in the fabric of Illinois,” said Preston. “His decades of service, unwavering integrity, and transformative leadership have shaped not only the Secretary of State’s office, but public service in this state and across the nation.”

ROCK ISLAND – To honor the life and public service of former Congressman Lane Evans, State Senator Mike Halpin, alongside Representative Gregg Johnson, dedicated I-74 in the Quad Cities to his memory.

“Lane Evans was committed to this community and to this country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With this dedication, Illinois recognizes Evans’ service and accomplishments. Both as a mentor and a friend, Lane served as a great inspiration to me and showed what public service is all about: speaking your mind and fighting for folks in your community.”

Senate Joint Resolution 48 designates I-74 in the Quad Cities from 4^th Avenue to I-280 as the “Rep. Lane Evans Memorial Highway.” This designation pays honor and respect to former Congressman Evans’ service to his country.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Collins’ new law, Senate Bill 1563, clarifies the state’s eviction law to ensure nothing about the eviction process keeps law enforcement from enforcing criminal laws. This change clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” said Collins. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.”

Senate Bill 1563 was signed on Monday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in new all-electric school buses

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $13 million investment for 46 new all-electric school buses. The funding will facilitate the swap from older diesel-powered buses to brand new electric buses with the charging infrastructure needed to power the new fleet.

"An investment in clean transportation represents a win-win for our communities - we're protecting the health of our children while moving Illinois toward a more sustainable future. The new electric buses heading to Community Consolidated Schools District 168 in Sauk Village will mean cleaner air for our students during their daily commutes and reduced emissions in our neighborhoods,” said State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that will benefit families in the 17th District for years to come."

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Lightford celebrates unveiling of Children's Adversity Index to measure exposure to childhood trauma

CHICAGO – Building off her success in leading a whole-child, trauma-informed approach to helping youth, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is celebrating the launch of the Children’s Adversity Index – a pivotal step in identifying and addressing systemic challenges impacting communities statewide.

"The Children's Adversity Index represents exactly the kind of comprehensive, data-driven approach we need to tackle the complex challenges facing Illinois families. By mapping adversity across our communities and identifying where resources are most needed, we're moving beyond treating symptoms to addressing root causes,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This tool will be invaluable as we work to ensure every child in Illinois has the support they need to thrive, regardless of their ZIP code.”

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Johnson honored with amphitheater naming in Buffalo Grove

BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove.

“I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to the Buffalo Grove Park District for this incredible honor,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This amphitheater has been a space for gathering, art, and connection in our community, and I am thrilled it will continue to serve residents for generations to come.”

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Sound of the State — Organ donation: From recipient to advocate

In this episode of Sound of the State, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) shares his powerful personal story as a kidney transplant recipient. Belt discusses the life-changing moment he received his transplant, the struggles he faced during dialysis, and how his journey inspired him to champion organ donation legislation in Illinois.

Listen here.

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ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is urging community organizations, educational institutions, and industry groups to apply for grants from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to enhance workforce training and economic growth in Illinois communities.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and building up our state’s world-class workforce.”

This latest round of funding provides $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler commended the announcement that Adient, a global automotive seating supplier, will open a new manufacturing facility in Normal, strengthening Central Illinois’ role in the electric vehicle industry and creating 75 new full-time jobs.

“This announcement is fantastic news for Central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Adient’s decision to locate in Normal not only builds on our region’s growing role in the EV supply chain, but it also brings new, good-paying jobs to our community.”

Adient will invest over $8 million to establish the new facility, which will supply seating assemblies directly to Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Normal. Adient plans to renovate an existing 85,000-square-foot warehouse near Rivian’s leading production site, enabling efficient supply chain integration.