SPRINGFIELD – To better prepare all educators – including substitute teachers – for emergencies at school, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced a measure out of the Senate that requires training in evacuation and lockdown procedures prior to being in the classroom.

“This measure ensures that anyone teaching students knows exactly what to do in case of a crisis situation,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “You never know when an emergency will happen, so requiring this training is the logical thing to do.”

House Bill 1787 would require school districts in Illinois to provide training to all substitute teachers on school evacuation drills and law enforcement lockdown drills. Additionally, all substitutes would be given the same information as full-time employees that outlines all lockdown and evacuation procedures, and maps would be required to be displayed in every classroom showing all school exit points.

SPRINGFIELD – To keep human traffickers off Illinois roadways, bring to justice to victims of human trafficking and shield everyday Illinoisans from unnecessary exposure, State Senator Laura Murphy passed legislation to expand the expressway camera program to target traffickers while prohibiting images taken by license plate readers from being released via FOIA requests.

“The expansion of this program would empower law enforcement with the tools necessary to swiftly identify human traffickers in real time,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “This bill sends a clear message that Illinois will not be used as a safe haven for these criminals.”

SPRINGFIELD – In response to increases in bullying incidents using artificial intelligence and altered images, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel advanced legislation out of the Senate that adds to the definition of cyberbullying and addresses artificial intelligence content in the school code.

“Many people are using AI to produce harmful materials, which has led to a whole new level of cyberbullying,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “We cannot let our laws fall behind technology. This legislation helps our state meet current challenges and ensures bullying via AI is addressed in the school code.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler led a resolution to urge the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to assess the state’s capacity to provide comprehensive care for individuals with brain injuries.

“This resolution seeks a thorough evaluation of our state’s resources and needs,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “It’s time we ensure Illinois residents receive the care they deserve, right here at home, without unnecessary costs associated with out-of-state care.”

Senate Joint Resolution 30 calls for an in-depth study of Illinois’ current care system for brain injury rehabilitation. Currently, Illinois Medicaid funds out-of-state specialized rehabilitation services—even though comparable services can be provided by in-state providers such as Sevita’s NeuroRestorative program, which operates in Bloomington, Carbondale and the Chicago area.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Dave Koehler has led a resolution urging Illinois’ small and mid-size manufacturing industries to establish a task force to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and growth.

“Manufacturers are essential to our economy and job creation across Illinois,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “By forming this industry-led task force, we give businesses the opportunity to shape solutions that directly address their needs, boosting their ability to thrive and expand.”

The resolution, initiated by the Technology & Manufacturing Association, seeks to empower manufacturers to identify regulatory barriers and propose legislative solutions. The TMA previously advocated for reducing regulatory burdens but highlighted challenges in pinpointing specific regulations hindering industry growth.

SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness and improve understanding of a rare but life-altering condition, State Senator Adriane Johnson presented a resolution to the Senate declaring September 2025 as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois.

“Scarring alopecia is more than just hair loss — it’s a permanent, often painful condition that deeply impacts people’s physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By naming September as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on this condition and supporting those who live with it.”

SPRINGFIELD – To address alarming rates of mental health conditions among college-aged individuals, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure students can access mental health services through their college or university.

“More and more young people are struggling with a mental health condition, putting their lives at risk especially when they are far from home or feel like they don’t have a support system,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “At a time when mental health providers are scarce and students need a safety net to rely on, it is important that public educational institutions are equipped to provide critical services to ensure the safety and success of their students.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino championed a measure to fortify representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings following reports of rampant immigration enforcement and alleged due process violations.

“As immigrant communities are grappling with shifting federal policies, we must adapt to ensure there is no lapse in access to counsel,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Families deserve to know that this resource is available and reliable despite changes happening at the federal level.”