SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is leading a measure to ensure parents and guardians of students who receive special needs services can access their children's mental health records.

"Parents are essential in supporting their children's education and well-being," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This bill ensures they have the information needed to make informed decisions about their child's care."

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam is sponsoring a measure, in collaboration with the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, that would further protect firefighters by phasing out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS.

“Firefighters risk their lives each day responding to fires, car accidents and more,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Continuing to allow for harmful chemicals to be used in their protective clothing and equipment puts their long-term health at risk.”

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in both protective clothing and equipment for its ability to repel water, oil and dirt and provide thermal stability and durability. Recent studies show that the use of PFAS in clothing and equipment has adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer.

SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

SPRINGFIELD — To ensure all young people have access to equitable and robust youth sports programs, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading legislation that would create a commission on youth sports under the Department of Human Services. 

“All children deserve the opportunity to play in a safe, supportive environment. However, without adequate or equitable investments, many young Illinoisans do not have those opportunities,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Our state needs a youth sports commission to better understand how we can make youth sports programs more equitable and accessible, so that all children – not just those in wealthy communities – can make memories that will last them a lifetime.” 

Representing a historically underserved community and families with children who have been overlooked by state investments, Guzmán is passionate about equitable investment, especially in the next generation and programs to help them develop into the best versions of themselves. One such area is youth sports, where young people develop lifelong skills of teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership—as well as forming long-lasting friendships and talent in their sport of choice. Without equal access to youth sports programs, however, many children are robbed of these formative experiences, and can struggle with developing these skills in adulthood. 

SPRINGFIELD – All too often, students of color feel the brunt of being expelled or suspended from school, rather than being provided restorative approaches to help with their emotional and mental health – a phenomenon Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford is fighting to change.

“Our education system has failed many children by simply denying them the opportunity to sit in a classroom,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “We’re continuing to move toward a disciplinary system that prioritizes educating students by keeping them in school.”

Expulsion of students in kindergarten through second grade would not be permitted unless the child brought a firearm, knife or other object that could be used to harm another student to school.

SPRINGFIELD — Two initiatives led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes would ensure high school students have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA.

“Applying for financial aid through FAFSA can be a difficult and confusing process for students,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This initiative will give students more resources to help them in this process, ensuring they are able to submit their FAFSA and potentially receive financial support so they can pursue higher education.”

After many students struggled to complete FAFSA applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, Cervantes and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission developed legislation to offer assistance for students wishing to fill out the FAFSA. First, House Bill 3096 would require high schools to designate a member of their staff to serve as a point of contact for students on matters concerning the application. This would create clarity on who young people can turn to if they have questions or need assistance with the process. 

SPRINGFIELD – Recording artists could soon have more protections from artificial intelligence (AI) replicating their voice or work under legislation from State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.

“We need strong regulations and protections in place to safeguard artists when people try to steal their work and pass it off as their own using artificial intelligence,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill was made to clarify existing law using language approved by both the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA).”

SPRINGFIELD – To pay their respects to fallen officers and their families, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus attended the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial in Springfield.

“Today is about honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement who gave their lives to keep our communities safe,” said State Senator Bill Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “May we never forget their courage and sacrifice, as their legacy continues to inspire us every day.”

A memorial service is held annually to honor the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve the state of Illinois. This year’s service was held at the Illinois State Library and honors nine officers killed in the line of duty in 2024, along with three K-9 honorees and 17 historic honorees.

The monument in Springfield, located on the west lawn of the State Capitol, bears the names of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. It was first dedicated in 1990, and a ceremony is held each year to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of every officer who died while serving during the previous year are engraved in the monument leading up to the ceremony.

“It is important to honor the courageous men and women who have given their lives in the line of duty,” said State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago). “My colleagues and I will do our part to honor their sacrifices by ensuring we pass laws that protect these heroes’ loved ones.”

A full list of 2025 honorees can be found here.

Video of the service here.