SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is announcing $44 million in grants is available to bolster public electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state.

“These grants present a remarkable opportunity to enhance Illinois’ infrastructure while simultaneously reducing our carbon footprint,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Investing in public EV charging infrastructure is not only essential for supporting electric vehicle adoption but also for fostering economic growth and sustainability in our communities.”

This is the second round of grants available to fund the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at publicly accessible locations. This grant opportunity is funded by the historic Stadelman-backed Rebuild Illinois, and authorized under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.

SPRINGFIELD – In a step toward greater transparency in political communication, State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced legislation aimed at mandating disclosure on political materials generated by artificial intelligence.

“In an era where AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent, it is imperative that people have full disclosure regarding the origin of the ads they see,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Transparency is fundamental to the democratic process.”

Senate Bill 2762 would require political ads to clearly disclose if they are AI-generated. According to the Brennan Center, the use of AI in political communications leads to challenges such as misleading people and amplifying ongoing issues of election misinformation.

“By requiring disclosure on AI-generated political communications, we can enhance accountability and foster trust between elected officials and the communities they serve,” said Stadelman.

Senate Bill 2762 awaits committee assignment in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is leading a measure to protect election workers from threats and harassment.

“Election workers are the backbone of our democracy,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People working for elections should be able to perform their job without the threat of violence or harassment.”

Senate Bill 2932 would prohibit people from intimidating or threatening an election worker with the intent to interfere with their election-related duties. A person who violates these provisions would be guilty of a petty offense and subject to a fine of up to $1,000. According to the Brennan Center, nearly one in three election officials have been harassed, abused, or threatened because of their job.

“Election workers play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of our democratic process,” said Stadelman. “We must do what we can to safeguard the rights of election workers and ensure they can perform their jobs without interference.”

Senate Bill 2932 was assigned to the Senate Subcommittee on Elections.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced legislation to require driver’s education courses to include instruction on worker safety in highway construction zones.

“Ensuring the safety of both drivers and construction workers on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “By equipping our future drivers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate construction zones with caution and respect, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and tragedies.”

Senate Bill 3151 would require public school district driver education courses to include an instruction on worker safety in highway construction and maintenance zones.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking decisive action to protect consumers and promote transparency in the ticketing industry by introducing legislation aimed at ending speculative ticket listing and regulating event ticket pricing.

“Speculative ticket listing and opaque pricing practices have long plagued the ticketing industry, leaving consumers frustrated and financially disadvantaged,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This legislation aims to put an end to these deceptive practices and empower consumers with the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions.”

In speculative ticket listing, sellers list tickets for events they do not yet possess in the hope of acquiring them later at a lower price. This practice often leads to inflated ticket prices, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation and price gouging.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking a significant step toward safeguarding consumers’ financial well-being by introducing legislation aimed at prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information related to medical debt in credit reports.

“Medical debt should not serve as a barrier to financial stability and opportunity,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No one should have to endure the added stress of damaged credit due to medical expenses beyond their control. This legislation is about ensuring fairness and equity for consumers, regardless of their health status.”

Senate Bill 2933 would prohibit a consumer reporting agency from making a credit report containing any adverse information about the consumer related to medical debt.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman has advanced legislation that provides protections against the criminal act of hazing.

“Hazing is a serious issue that undermines the safety and well-being of our students and communities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No individual should ever feel pressured or coerced into participating in activities that jeopardize their physical or mental health.”

Under Senate Bill 2934, a person agreeing to participate in a hazardous situation would not shield those accused of the hazing. According to Goldberg & Loren, in 95% of hazing cases, students aware they were hazed did not report it. Humiliation is the most popular method of hazing, accounting for 67% of total incidents that happen. Stadelman’s measure would establish a consent clause within state law, bringing Illinois in line with several other states that clarify consent to hazing does not protect against hazing charges.

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee that keeps victims and survivors safe from their abusers by expanding the definition of stalking to include electronic tracking systems.

"As tracking devices become more popular, people are caught using them for the wrong reasons,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford).

With advances in technology, people are using electronic devices to keep track of their luggage, wallets and other personal belongings. However, people are also using them to stalk others.

Through Senate Bill 2683, Stadelman is working to change the Stalking No Contact Order Act to be consistent with the criminal definition of stalking. The new legislation would change the definition of “course of conduct” of stalking to include the use of an electronic tracking system to determine a person’s location, movement or travel patterns. The legislation would also allow judges to prohibit respondents from using electronic tracking systems and acquiring tracking information in a court order.