SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure to preserve lifesaving reproductive health care as anti-choice action threatens to infringe on people’s rights.

“It is imperative that Illinois continues to shield itself against these persistent anti-choice attacks,” said Villanueva (D – Chicago). “This pending Supreme Court ruling threatens access to vital life-saving care for women throughout Illinois and beyond by limiting medically necessary services.”

House Bill 581 would protect Illinois patients from another likely Supreme Court rollback of reproductive rights by ensuring Illinois hospitals must provide any medically necessary services—including abortion services—to stabilize a patient at risk of severe injury or death. 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure through the Senate to ensure reproductive health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“As the war on reproductive rights continues throughout the nation, we must ensure that those who are seeking reproductive health care are protected in every way possible,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As a safe haven state, we have a responsibility to protect individuals’ rights to care and ensure their health care records remain private.”

Last year Villanueva led House Bill 4664 – a law to shield out-of-state patients and in-state providers from legal action originating from other states regarding abortions performed here.  To expand upon that measure and provide further protections, Villanueva led House Bill 5239 this year.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure through the Senate to ensure those who plead guilty to a possession charge receive a second chance in exchange for diversion into a probation program.

“Supportive measures like this allow first-time offenders of possession to reintegrate into society with the tools they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Harsh penalties only serve to solidify a cycle of recidivism.”

Currently, a person who successfully completes a probation program will have their sentence or conviction vacated. This clean record applies while the person is enrolled in the program as well as for those who successfully complete the program.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.

“By establishing safety measures to further prevent accidents in construction zones, we will guarantee the safety of drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a necessary step to prioritizing protection of construction workers and drivers alike.”

Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to provide further protections to crime victims.

“There is no reason why crime survivors, who are brave enough to share DNA, should have to look over their shoulder wondering if their DNA they voluntarily provided will be used against them,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “This provision protects survivors and ensures they are able to seek justice without fear of systemic retaliation.”

House Bill 1168 would ensure that DNA evidence collected from a crime victim is not entered into a DNA database.

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to help people who plead guilty to a possession charge a second chance in exchange for diversion into a probation program.

“First-time offenders of possession are typically young people who have made a misstep and by enrolling in a diversion program, they have shown their commitment to righting their wrongs,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Clarifying that a recorded conviction without judgement is inadmissible allows folks to turn their lives around without a negative record lurking behind them.”

Currently, a person who successfully completes a probation program will have their sentence or conviction vacated. This clean record applies while the person is enrolled in the program as well as for those who successfully complete the program.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to ensure reproductive health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“Our fight for access to reproductive and gender-affirming care is far from over,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is our duty as a safe haven state to preserve people’s right to care while ensuring their livelihood won’t be put in jeopardy by restrictive, overarching laws of other states.”

Last year Villanueva led House Bill 4664 – a law to shield out-of-state patients and in-state providers from legal action originating from other states regarding abortions performed here.  To expand upon that measure and provide further protections, Villanueva is spearheading House Bill 5239 this year.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.

“It is essential that we establish safety measures to help drivers navigate zone changes to prevent accidents,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a simple step to ensuring the safety of construction workers.”

Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.