SPRINGFIELD – Protecting young children from toxic heavy metal exposure is essential to preventing future developmental delays. To address this, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law requiring baby food to be tested for toxic metals and providing parents with information about the safety of their infant’s food.

“Parents deserve the confidence that the food they’re giving their baby is safe and nutritious,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law provides that peace of mind by ensuring baby food is thoroughly tested and that manufacturers follow clear safety standards.”

Fine’s law requires manufacturers to test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – and disclose this information directly on the product’s website. The information must include the name and level of each toxic heavy metal found in the food, the product name, and a link to the FDA’s website with information about the health risks of toxic heavy metal exposure for children. Links to this information must also be easily accessible on the products themselves, through a QR code.

SPRINGFIELD – To support mothers trying to balance work life and home life, State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to allow for paid break time for pumping breast milk has been signed into law. This law ensures working mothers who nurse their infants do not have to be concerned about losing income in order to provide for their baby.

“Without workplace accommodations that consider the time required to breastfeed a newborn or infant, the burden of balancing work responsibilities and personal responsibilities becomes increasingly challenging,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We are not only encouraging a supportive work environment for these employees, we are also empowering Illinois mothers who must work to support their families.”

Fine’s new law clarifies that employees’ time for pumping breastmilk has to be paid and that employees would not be required to use paid leave during breaks.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine introduced legislation to address rising insurance premiums that are putting financial pressure on families across Illinois.

“Excessive increases in the cost of homeowners insurance are straining budgets for everyday Illinoisans statewide,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must do what we can to protect vulnerable families while also ensuring premium dollars are going towards paying out claims, not CEO bonuses.”

SPRINGFIELD – To further increase access to mental health treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law extending the existing prior authorization ban to cover medically necessary outpatient mental health services.

“Mental health care needs are equivalent to physical health care needs,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law breaks down barriers to access so patients can receive the help they need in a timely manner.”

Last year, the Healthcare Protection Act was signed into law, making health care more accessible and affordable for Illinoisans. The law banned step therapy requirements, prohibited prior authorization for inpatient mental health care at hospitals, banned junk insurance plans, and ended unchecked rate increases for large group insurance companies.

SPRINGFIELD – To support victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination, State Senator Laura Fine championed a measure to clarify unlawful labor practices.

“Bolstering the Illinois workforce and attracting new employees can only happen when workers have a fair work environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “In the event of harassment or discrimination against an employee, the victim and potential witnesses deserve to feel safe and taken seriously when reporting the issue.”

SPRINGFIELD – Standing in defense of Jewish communities across the nation and responding to the recent murder of two Israeli embassy staff members, State Senator Laura Fine shared the fears felt by Jews and called on fellow lawmakers and the public to stand together against antisemitism during a press conference on Tuesday.

“I am horrified, saddened and heartbroken to address yet another act of terror against our Jewish community. I am also angry that the fears our Jewish community has shared for years have been met with silence, giving way to more violence and normalizing extremism,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must respond with urgency, communicate empathy between communities, and take the simple charge of supporting one another.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine passed a measure in the Senate that helps people struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges by strengthening reporting standards for overdoses.

“Thousands of Illinoisans face opioid overdoses every year – more than motor vehicle accidents and homicides,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The opioid crisis has taken lives and a sense of security in our communities, which is why it is critical to initiate life-saving preventative measures.”

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to enhance environmental protections for carbon sequestration, State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to strengthen pipeline safety and protect pore space owners.

“The following legislation continues work to establish sustainable solutions addressing the needs of our landowners and our environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “It is essential that as Illinois continues to lead the nation in the carbon capture and sequestration industry, we have the strongest protections in place.”