SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners throughout Illinois can look forward to getting unused household paint out of their garage or basement to designated collection centers for safe disposal soon. Legislation led by State Senator Linda Holmes sets out a process for regulators to propose and adopt specific regulations for the state’s upcoming paint recycling program, expected to begin operations in 2025.

The Paint Stewardship Act became law early this year, founding a program for Illinois to manage collecting, transporting and disposing unused household paint. Senate Bill 839 is the next stage for the program: setting rules and roles for state and federal regulators to allow Illinois consumers to begin dropping off paint at established collection points. PaintCare Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, represents paint manufacturers and works with states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws.

“This law moves us closer to a day next year when homeowners can begin dropping off their old paint at PaintCare’s collection sites,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Over time, at least 90% of Illinois residents will have a collection site, service or event within a 15-mile radius of their home free of charge. Getting these cans of unused paint out of our basements and garages will protect our state’s soil and water to continue growing crops to feed the state and nation.”

AURORA – In 2023, State Senator Linda Holmes collaborated with State Senator Julie Morrison to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones for public safety. This year, they cosponsored Senate Bill 2849 to give local governments authority to set reasonable rules for the airspace over public spaces; the measure is now law.

“Drones have the potential to aid our communities in many ways, and this is an example of giving local governments a say in when and where their use is appropriate,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “For children engaged in a sporting event, the buzzing of a drone may distract players and supporters on the field. This law can prevent the disruption.”

Local parks, playgrounds, aquatic facilities, wildlife areas, sports fields or other recreational facilities will be off-limits to private drone operators.

“The Illinois Association of Park Districts applauds the passage of Senate Bill 2849. This important measure gives park districts, forest preserve districts and conservation districts a necessary tool to help ensure their public spaces are welcoming for all patrons,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD president and CEO. “The IAPD appreciates Governor Pritzker’s and the Illinois General Assembly’s support of this initiative.”

Morrison and Holmes support opportunities for local control on local issues by working with park districts statewide. Visitors to Illinois’ many beautiful, enjoyable outdoor spaces may look forward to spending that leisure time undisturbed.

The governor signed the legislation Friday, and it takes effect immediately.

AURORA – An additional $4.5 million has been provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for Batavia’s ongoing lead water line replacement program, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Friday. The city will replace approximately 150 lead service lines in this second phase of lead service line replacement.

“Safe drinking water is necessary for the health and safety of every member of the community,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Lead contamination poses serious health risks, particularly for children. This funding represents a considerable investment in clean, safe drinking water for all residents and protecting this essential resource for future generations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ legislation to require insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for those suffering a miscarriage or stillbirth has been signed into law today.

“Those who have faced the loss of an infant can cope with the trauma for the rest of their lives; it is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This pain can trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and may lead to substance abuse.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes advanced a measure through the Senate on Thursday that would require insurers to cover care for mental and emotional recovery for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth.

“So many who have experienced the loss of a child deal with the trauma for the rest of their lives; pregnancy loss in the case of stillbirth or a miscarriage is often an overpowering shock,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This grief can trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and may contribute to substance abuse.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ effort in the Senate to ensure insurance coverage for treating menopause symptoms without regard to whether the onset was natural or surgical. Holmes’ measure, House Bill 5295, passed the Senate Thursday.

Menopause occurs when an individual’s estrogen and progesterone hormone levels start to fall. If it begins naturally, symptoms show up over time; if it is a result of surgery, those effects start and advance quickly after the procedure.

“In either event or at whatever age, hormonal changes can bring on complications that affect our overall health and well-being. As estrogen drops, bone density can decrease and cardiovascular risks can rise,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Menopause therapies are prescribed regardless of the onset reason and must be covered either way.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes is leading an effort in the Senate to establish insurance coverage for treating menopause symptoms without regard to whether the onset was natural or surgical. Holmes’ measure, House Bill 5295, passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

Menopause happens when an individual’s estrogen and progesterone hormone levels begin to fall. If it begins naturally, symptoms arise over time; if it is a result of surgery, those effects start very quickly after the procedure.

“In either event or at whatever age, hormonal changes can bring on complications that affect our overall health and well-being. As estrogen drops, bone density can decrease and cardiovascular risks can rise,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Menopause therapies are prescribed regardless of the onset reason and must be covered either way.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes advanced a measure through the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday that would require insurers to cover treatment for the mental and emotional effects for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth.

“For most expectant parents, pregnancy means happy preparations to welcome a healthy infant to their new family,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “The shock and grief of an unexpected pregnancy loss can be overwhelming — it may trigger anxiety, stress and depression, and contribute to substance abuse.”

The Illinois Insurance Code currently requires coverage for mental, emotional, nervous or substance use treatments as they are under the federal Affordable Care Act. House Bill 5282 will explicitly add coverage for miscarriage or stillbirth in addition to the benefits already required by federal law.