SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Rachel Ventura joined State Representative Daniel Didech, and clean energy advocates to launch a campaign to pass legislation she is sponsoring enabling plug-in solar in Illinois.

The Plug-In Illinois Act would unlock access to affordable solar power for millions of Illinoisans who cannot install rooftop solar – because they are renters, apartment dwellers, or can’t afford the upfront cost – by removing regulatory barriers to small scale plug-in or “balcony” solar units.

Senate Bill 3104 – also filed as House Bill 4524 in the House – would allow consumers to buy a certified solar system and plug it into a standard wall outlet. The effort would make Illinois one of the first states in the nation to enact plug-in solar following Utah, which passed plug-in solar legislation with unanimous bipartisan support last year. Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and other states have introduced plug-in solar legislation as well.

SPRINGFIELD—A resolution sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura would declare April 3, 2026 as Jane Goodall Day in Illinois in recognition of the life and work of Jane Goodall P.h.D., and the importance of conservation, sustainability, and living in peace with the environment.

“Dr. Jane Goodall dedicated her life to fostering a more sustainable society for the benefit of generations to come,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By honoring her on the day of her birth, we help continue the work she began in raising awareness on the importance of conservation and the path to a green future.”

SPRINGFIELD — A new measure introduced by State Senator Rachel Ventura to establish the Illinois Psilocybin Advisory Board to investigate and advise on best practices for psilocybin treatments to help tackle treatment-resistant conditions such as PTSD passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“I remain committed to passing the CURE Act in its entirety and providing real change for individuals who have exhausted other treatment methods,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill is an important first step in that effort and will provide legislators with essential research on the safety and efficacy of psychedelic use in therapeutic treatments.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura that would provide opiate use disorder treatments for incarcerated individuals passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.

“Overdoses are the leading cause of death among people returning to their communities after incarceration,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “There is an urgent need for comprehensive opiate use disorder programs statewide, and this legislation would save lies, is compassionate, and has the potential to break the cycle of addiction, improve health outcomes and reduce rates of recidivism.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would require car dealers to provide a vehicle history report to buyers with the purchase of any used car.

“Buyers deserve to know exactly what they’re getting when they make a purchase, especially for an investment as important as buying a vehicle,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation will ensure accountability and transparency in vehicle transactions, ensuring customers don’t end up surprised by serious defects or issues after they’ve already paid a significant amount of money for a new car.” 

SPRINGFIELD – Despite repeated promises from the federal government, high-speed internet access remains a distant goal for many communities — especially in rural Illinois, where service is often spotty, unreliable or altogether unavailable. In response to federal inaction and recent funding withdrawals, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed on a new law that will provide a strategic state-level response to a growing digital divide.

“Access to broadband has become critical for many aspects of daily life, especially in education. This law prioritizes anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, allowing them better integration into statewide networks and resources.”

The Illinois Century Network (ICN) delivers wholesale internet services to public entities across the state — including schools, libraries and higher education institutions. However, without sufficient federal investment, the burden of expanding reliable broadband increasingly falls to the state.

JOLIET – Between studying for exams, social expectations, new responsibilities and pressure from society to succeed, college can often be a pressure cooker for young students trying to build a life for themselves. That’s why State Senator Rachel Ventura fought to secure funding to create the new Center for Student Wellness and Support at Joliet Junior College to support students’ mental health.

“College can be a trying time in a person’s life as they try to figure out who they are. Our young people’s mental health is a top priority, and we cannot let anyone slip through the cracks,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Programs like Joliet Junior College’s Center for Student Wellness and Support demonstrate a proactive step in supporting their students with mental health and wellness services. I want students in the JJC community to know that if you feel you are struggling or just need to talk to someone, please reach out to the Center for Student Wellness and Support services.”

SPRINGFIELD – To support ongoing efforts aimed at protecting and revitalizing local landscapes and ecosystems, State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Anna Moeller partnered on House Bill 2726 to give the Illinois Department of Natural Resources more authority to implement conservation tactics to create new rewilding strategies statewide.

“By creating a holistic rewilding strategy for the state, we can see landscapes restored to their previous state — a major win for the environment and their local ecosystems,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Over the last few decades, countless species of wild animals and plant life have been reduced significantly or completely lost to human activity, making this legislation timely and critically needed.”