Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – A new law, championed by State Senator Celina Villanueva, will allow driver’s license holders more notice for court appearances prior to suspension.

“Drivers are not receiving notice of court dates and unknowingly having their driving privileges revoked. This is a major issue that leads to severe consequences,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This law will allow drivers the curtesy of electronic notice of court dates to reduce the possibility of suspension or further legal issues.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s measure to allow minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses to apply for up to $2 million in loans was signed into law Friday.

“We must continue to uplift disadvantaged communities and provide them with greater opportunities to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “These businesses are the backbones of their communities – and to see minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses thrive means hope is on the horizon.”

Senate Bill 3807 encourages more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.

SPRINGFIELD — New laws from State Senator Celina Villanueva continue to support reproductive health care and ensure health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“As we navigate the war on reproductive rights, preventative laws like this are essential in counteracting restrictive and overarching laws of other states,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As a safe haven state, it is our responsibility to reinforce state-level protections where federal protections have failed us.”

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 championed House Bill 5239 this year.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a newly signed proposal to enhance Scott’s Law by further protecting construction workers.

“Expanding Scott’s Law to include constructions zones is essential to ensuring the safety of workers and drivers alike,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “By prioritizing this preventative law we are instituting safeguard for the lives of everyone involved.”

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 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.