Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that lets paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license get a full license after their short-term license expires.

“Illinois’ teacher shortage is impacting children’s ability to learn,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When we invest in the people already showing up for our students every day, we don’t just fill classrooms – we build careers, strengthen communities and deepen the roots of education from the inside out.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes remains steadfast in pursuing legislation to improve living conditions for animals, as her measure providing statutory guidance to Illinois courts when considering pet possession when unmarried couples break up was signed into law Friday.

“Legislators observe how residents’ lives change as society’s norms evolve. Today, most families see their pets as adored family members rather than property,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “If the future residence of a companion animal is in question when family members separate, the courts need guidance to consider the best outcome for the animal’s consistent caregiving and comfort.”

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison will ensure schools can provide undesignated prescription glucagon to students with diabetes suffering from a hypoglycemic emergency.

“Diabetes requires lifelong, timely and attentive maintenance to ensure proper blood sugar levels,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Hypoglycemic emergencies can happen at any time – it is imperative that we equip school professionals with the resources and training needed to assist during a health emergency.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the RAINN, only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police, underscoring the need to build trust and improve survivor experiences within the justice system. To address this critical issue, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law aimed at improving how survivors of sexual assault are supported during the criminal justice process.

“Survivors of sexual assault deserve to feel safe, respected and fully supported when they are coming forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “House Bill 4394 is about making sure survivors know their rights and have some control in a moment where so much has already been taken from them.”

House Bill 4394 will require law enforcement officers to inform survivors of sexual assault or abuse that they may request to be interviewed by an officer of a particular sex or gender.

SPRINGFIELD – County coroners and medical examiners will soon be able to receive mental health counseling if needed, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce that was signed into law.

“This is a great step forward for our local coroners,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Coroners and medical examiners are key members of our investigative system and deserved to be taken care of.”

Senate Bill 2770 will add coroners, deputy coroners, county medical examiners and deputy county medical examiners to the definition of first responders for the purpose of providing them mental health counseling without any cost-sharing.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ getting legislation signed into law that will accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“This legislation hits close to the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Dan Davis, a hardworking man with a routine life suddenly vanishes after what may have been a health crisis. A daughter tirelessly gathering footage, organizing searches and raising awareness. Family and friends left in limbo, wondering if he’s safe, disoriented or in need of help. It reminds us how quickly life can change and how urgently we need better tools to bring people home.”

Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 will update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.

CHICAGO – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a newly signed law to honor July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois.

“Emmett Till’s story is a painful chapter in our nation’s history, but it is one we must continue to remember and teach,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing Emmett Till Day, we honor his life, the courage of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and the generations of advocates who have fought for justice and equality.”