SOUTH HOLLAND – State Senator Napoleon Harris III attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the start of construction on the Allied Health & Nursing Center at South Suburban College.

“Today marks a proud moment for the Southland as we break ground on a project 15 years in the making,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This $52 million investment will transform South Suburban College by helping build up the next generation of health care professionals right here in our community.”

The new Allied Health & Nursing Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced simulation labs, and collaborative learning spaces designed to expand SSC’s capacity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility will directly address the region’s critical need for skilled nurses, medical technicians and allied health specialists while strengthening partnerships with local hospitals, clinics and care providers. 

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Food Allergy Research & Education organization (FARE), 33 million Americans have a food allergy, with the most common allergies including milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts. To help those having an allergic reaction, Illinoisans will soon have easier access to epinephrine under a new law championed by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and House Assistant Majority Leader Maurice West.

“Dillon’s Law is common-sense legislation that helps our communities become better equipped to help someone experiencing an allergic reaction,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “If a person does not know they have an allergy, they may not have access to epinephrine, which is why this law could help save so many lives.”

House Bill 2462, modeled after a law passed in Wisconsin in 2017, is named after 18-year-old Dillon Mueller, who died in 2014 after being stung by a bee without any previous knowledge of an allergy. No epinephrine was available in the first aid kits of either the Eagle Scout with him or the arriving first responders. This new law allows individuals who are properly trained to carry and administer the epinephrine to individuals having an allergic reaction.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law.

“When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.”

Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law championed by State Senator Julie Morrison will eliminate the use of toxic “forever chemicals” in everyday items like cosmetics, dental floss and children’s products, marking a significant step toward keeping harmful substances out of people’s homes and bodies.

“We all deserve peace of mind that the products we use regularly aren’t putting our health at risk,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law prioritizes the well-being of future generations by making sure our shelves are stocked with safer alternatives in the years ahead.”

Forever chemicals, also known as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a type of synthetic chemicals designed for oil- and water-resistant purposes. Once released into the environment or absorbed by our body, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system damage and developmental problems in children.

SPRINGFIELD — After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of arranging a ride to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton championed a new law that expands the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“For someone who experienced trauma and found the strength to seek medical help, not having the means to get to their next location is overwhelming,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Expanding the state’s voucher program helps ensure survivors are cared for every step of the way, including after they leave the hospital.”

After an individual receives medical care for a sexual assault, hospitals issue a voucher that a patient can use for related health care expenses. The voucher is valid for 90 days from the date of their hospital visit and can be used to cover costs of ambulance rides, medical forensic or laboratory services, pharmacy expenses and follow-up health care treatment.

SPRINGFIELD —A new measure supported by State Senator Graciela Guzmán to prevent overdoses in Department of Corrections facilities was signed into law on Friday.

“In order to prevent tragic overdose deaths, we need to better understand where contraband drugs are coming from, instead of enacting policies without evidence demonstrating it will be effective in stopping the proliferation of banned goods,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago).  “Thanks to our work with this legislation, we will soon have a better understanding of how these goods get into DOC facilities, so we can begin work to prevent their movement and consumption.”

Senate Bill 2201 requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to collect and publish data concerning contraband found in their facilities, including the type of contraband, where in the facility it was identified, and the method of entry into the facility. It also makes public the consequences for people in custody for possessing or attempting to procure contraband to ensure any disciplinary actions meet ethical standards and do not include excessive force.

SPRINGFIELD – Protecting young children from toxic heavy metal exposure is essential to preventing future developmental delays. To address this, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law requiring baby food to be tested for toxic metals and providing parents with information about the safety of their infant’s food.

“Parents deserve the confidence that the food they’re giving their baby is safe and nutritious,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law provides that peace of mind by ensuring baby food is thoroughly tested and that manufacturers follow clear safety standards.”

Fine’s law requires manufacturers to test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – and disclose this information directly on the product’s website. The information must include the name and level of each toxic heavy metal found in the food, the product name, and a link to the FDA’s website with information about the health risks of toxic heavy metal exposure for children. Links to this information must also be easily accessible on the products themselves, through a QR code.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ proposal to put in place state standards for Illinois school districts when it comes to emergency response and threat assessments was signed into law on Friday.

“When an emergency strikes, people lock in to what they have been trained to do,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Getting this bill signed into law means Illinois is working to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to the safety of our children.”

Senate Bill 2057 requires the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The law allows the Illinois State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. The law also gives guidance for school districts notifying parents and the community of threats against a school.