Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Mike Porfirio will allow local governments to take swift action to solve road safety hazards if certain criteria are met.

“My priority will always be to keep our road roads safe both for drivers and pedestrians, especially in areas of critical need,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I will always support study-backed solutions to solving road safety issues, but in instances of urgent safety hazards, we need to enable local governments to take quick action to protect residents.”

Porfirio’s law, House Bill 5081, gives local authorities more structured flexibility to set lower speed limits based on safety principles. The law introduces the concept of “target speed” which helps to determine appropriate speed limits based on roadway context and safety. This allows municipalities to calibrate lower, reasonable speed limits in certain areas before a traffic study is completed.

DEERFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison will provide insured drivers a way to resolve disputes with their insurers about repair costs or total loss valuations without involving the court system.

“Going through the courts to get an appraisal on a damaged vehicle is burdensome for both the policyholder and insurance company,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The right to invoke an appraisal cuts down on administrative barriers and ensures all parties are able to navigate the process without going to court.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions has been signed into law.

“With this law, Illinois is holding firm on protecting the First Amendment,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our students and universities are under attack from every direction when it comes to speech and what should be learned in the classroom. They should not have to face this pressure on their own, Illinois has their back.”

SPRINGFIELD — For the parents of children with life-threatening allergies, every outing carries a level of anxiety that other families never have to consider. Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is easing that burden under a new law that will recognize all FDA-approved epinephrine treatments.

“Parents need that comfort knowing their child will have access to whatever form of epinephrine works best, whether they are at school, camp or an after school program,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Severe allergic reactions can happen at any time and any place, and can be a life or death situation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s push to allow mammograms under all health insurance policies regardless of the person’s age has been signed into law by the governor.

“A cancer diagnosis is frightening enough without having to fight your insurance company first,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “When early detection can mean the difference between a treatable diagnosis and a life-threatening one, coverage should follow medical evidence, not arbitrary age limits. This law ensures that patients can get the care their providers know they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to monitor private equity in our health care system has been signed into law.

“Health care exists to care for people, not maximize returns for investors,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Where private equity firms see profit, we see patients, workers, and entire communities. When hospitals are treated like financial assets instead of public institutions, families pay the price through closed facilities, fewer services, and diminished access to care. This law brings greater transparency and accountability to decisions that can reshape the health and well-being of communities across Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant milestone for Employment Social Enterprises and the thousands of Illinois residents they serve, a new law that will provide ESEs with greater access to business assistance programs, technical support, grants, loans and procurement opportunities was signed into law Friday, thanks to support from State Senator Celina Villanueva and State Representative Jawaharial Williams.

“This legislation recognizes that economic development and workforce development go hand-in-hand," said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Employment Social Enterprises prove every day that investing in people creates stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger Illinois economy. By ensuring these organizations have access to the same economic development resources available to other businesses, we’re opening new doors for innovation, job creation and economic opportunity for Illinoisans who have too often been left behind.”

ESEs are mission-driven, revenue-generating businesses that combine commercial enterprise with workforce development. These enterprises provide employment, job training and supportive services to individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including those with experiences of incarceration, homelessness, disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health challenges. In Illinois more than 1.7 million Illinoisans are justice impacted, more than 200,000 Illinoisans are experiencing housing instability and more than 2 million Illinoisans have a mental health condition.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel was the driving force behind a new law that requires medical professionals to take courses educating them on menopause and perimenopause.

“Despite most women going through menopause, there haven’t been an appropriate amount of conversations or education on the subject for a long time,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By teaching medical professionals how to recognize and manage menopause and perimenopause, we can ensure that women receive the best possible health care.”