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Ventura measure to allow pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 06:34 PM
  • Pharmacies
  • Contraceptives
  • Ventura
  • HB 3489

Senator Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Michelle Mussman worked together to spearhead legislation to expand the types of contraception pharmacists can dispense to include emergency contraception and non-hormonal options.

“Women come in all shapes and sizes so it only stands to reason that medication should be tailored to them as needed,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By allowing pharmacists to prescribe all types of contraceptives, including non-hormonal options, this bill aims to improve access so that every individual can make the best choice for birth control.”

House Bill 3489 expands the type of contraception pharmacists can offer to include hormonal, non-hormonal and emergency contraceptives, including Phexxi (non-hormonal), Plan B (levonorgestrel pill) and Ella (ulipristal acetate pill).

Read more: Ventura measure to allow pharmacists to dispense non-hormonal contraception options

Ventura measure to improve broadband infrastructure statewide

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Friday, May 09, 2025 09:04 AM
  • Broadband Access
  • HB1062

SenatorRachelVenturaSPRINGFIELD – High-speed internet for the entire state has yet to become a reality, leaving rural areas with patchy and often unreliable services. State Senator Rachel Ventura worked alongside State Representative Amy Briel to lead House Bill 1062 through the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.

“Broadband access should be available to all. This legislation aims to prioritize anchor institutions to quickly improve our state’s broadband network in the most cost effective way possible,” Ventura (D-Joliet). “By utilizing existing and nearby infrastructure, vulnerable communities can increase access to high-speed internet, which is critical for daily life.”

Read more: Ventura measure to improve broadband infrastructure statewide

Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura

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Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Friday, April 11, 2025 10:14 AM
  • Ventura
  • SR66
  • Parental Alienation Awareness Day

Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the devastating impact of parental alienation on families across Illinois, State Senator Rachel Ventura successfully advanced Senate Resolution 66, declaring April 25, 2025 as Parental Alienation Awareness Day in the state. The resolution aims to increase understanding, promote prevention and encourage intervention efforts to support healthy family relationships.

“The emotional and psychological toll of parental alienation can have lasting effects on children,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Fostering unfounded fears about a parent or guardian can create serious barriers to a child's emotional and psychological well-being. By raising awareness, we can foster healthier relationships and ensure that all children have the opportunity to maintain meaningful connections with both parents.”

Read more: Parental Alienation Awareness Day recognized in Illinois thanks to Ventura

Senate passes Ventura measure removing cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Thursday, April 10, 2025 08:03 PM
  • Law Enforcement
  • Cannabis
  • Ventura
  • SB 42

Senator Rachel Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura stipulating the odor of raw or burnt cannabis could not alone constitute a search of a motor vehicle, driver or passenger passed through the Senate, aiming to clarify law enforcement’s handling of driving situations involving cannabis.

“A recent state Supreme Court ruling gave a conflicting directive between raw and burnt cannabis, shifting a huge burden to law enforcement to know the difference,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill aims to bring clarity by directing law enforcement to consider all factors — not just odor — in deciding if the law has been broken.”

The Illinois Supreme Court recently ruled on two separate cases contradictory to each other on whether the scent of cannabis is a probable cause. The Court held in People v. Redmond that the odor of burnt cannabis alone is insufficient to provide probable cause for police officers to perform a warrantless search of a vehicle. In People v. Molina, the Court ruled that the odor of raw cannabis alone gave police probable cause to search a vehicle because the statute mandates odorless packaging.

Read more: Senate passes Ventura measure removing cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle

Ventura measure to help fund clean energy projects in Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Wednesday, April 09, 2025 04:15 PM
  • Clean Energy
  • SB2306
  • Climate Bank Loan Financing Act
  • Illinois Finance Authority

SenVenturaSPRINGFIELD – To address ongoing efforts in mitigating the climate crisis, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation through the Senate to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

“As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy.”

Read more: Ventura measure to help fund clean energy projects in Illinois

Senate passes Ventura-led child incarceration task force bill, marking major step toward restorative justice reform

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Wednesday, April 09, 2025 03:20 PM
  • Child First Reform Task Force
  • SB2156

Senator VenturaSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced a measure through the Senate that would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices.

“This legislation is not just about reforming systems — it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities.”

Read more: Senate passes Ventura-led child incarceration task force bill, marking major step toward...

Senate committee hears Ventura-backed legislation aimed at protecting global forests, boosting economic development in Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Thursday, March 27, 2025 03:32 PM
  • Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
  • Ventura
  • Deforestation
  • SB2157

Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, the Senate Executive Subcommittee on Procurement held a subject matter hearing on a bill led by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases do not contribute to deforestation, forest degradation or human rights violations.

“Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies. By following the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy.”

Read more: Senate committee hears Ventura-backed legislation aimed at protecting global forests, boosting...

Clean energy projects in state would receive additional funding under Ventura bill

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 03:13 PM
  • Clean Energy
  • Ventura
  • Green Infrastructure
  • SB2306

Sen. Ventura

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura is spearheading efforts to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As we grapple with the effects of climate change, such as abnormally large and powerful storms, we must invest in climate resilience projects to protect Illinoisans from future disasters.”

Senate Bill 2306 aims to expand the scope of clean energy projects under the Climate Bank Loan Financing Act to include storm resilience, nature-based solutions, and water and climate risk mitigation. This may include federal or other funds that can be used for clean water, drinking water, and wastewater treatment, or climate resilience projects.

Read more: Clean energy projects in state would receive additional funding under Ventura bill

More Articles …

  1. Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force
  2. Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee
  3. Ventura to expand clean energy financing, tackle state’s role in deforestation
  4. Ventura to tackle high water prices, reclaim water rights
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