WEST CHICAGO – In partnership with community members and other professionals on her Senior Advisory Committee, State Senator Karina Villa championed a new law to protect the dignity and rights of nursing home residents across Illinois and ensure they are afforded the highest quality of care.

“Many families struggle with the decision to placed loved ones in long-term care facilities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “With everything that goes into this decision, families shouldn’t also have to worry about abuse or neglect.”

Previously Senate Bill 1633, the new law amends and expands the existing Nursing Home Care Act to offer more comprehensive protection for nursing home residents. In addition to ensuring residents' rights must be maintained and basic needs are met, the law creates requirements for grievance procedures at nursing facilities, protects residents from being forced to perform unpaid labor and requires information on how to submit complaints be posted publicly and available to residents at request.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a new Illinois law gives residents a new option to support families of first responders that were killed in the line of duty.

“Families of fallen first responders endure tremendous emotional stress and financial uncertainty,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By creating this option, we are providing an easy way for residents to show their support to first responders and donate to the families of lost heroes.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation supported by State Senator Robert Martwick that provides private assistance to first responders via a tax check-off was signed into law. 

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Making it easier for people to make a charitable contribution to support our first responders will be much appreciated in the district that I represent.”

House Bill 4161 will increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents in Illinois will have additional access to mental and behavioral health specialists, under a new state law with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“This effort will improve opportunities for residents needing mental or behavioral health care and workers willing and able to provide that care,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “With this law, Illinois aims to reduce barriers for potential patients, so that all who seek mental and behavioral health care could get better access.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Because of this gap, many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely.

CHICAGO – New law co-sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Friday.

“This new law creates a convenient way for us to give back to first responders,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs.

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.

“It’s simple: Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s law will require state agencies to only contract with vendors that do not use single-use plastics for food services at state parks and natural areas starting in January 2024. Rather, compostable or recyclable foodware will need to be utilized – except plastic straws upon request only.

CHICAGO – To emphasize the importance of continuing education throughout the summer, State Senator Celina Villanueva is hosting a summer book club to encourage students to read and continue their studies throughout the summer vacation.

“We want to invite students to read and continue to better their education throughout the summer by rewarding them for their hard work,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Young people and students can participate in this program as we encourage them to build a habit of reading early and prepare them for their upcoming school year.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Villanueva’s office by Aug. 9. Everyone who completes the Summer Book Club will be invited to a social event with the district office and the Senator.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure supported by Senator Robert Peters to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceptive third-party practices was signed into law.

“Small businesses and especially Black and Brown owned businesses have suffered during the last two years,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “We have to ensure that restaurants and bars are able to support themselves and that outside delivery services do not take advantage of small businesses.”

The new law will prohibit third-party delivery services from listing non-partnered restaurants or retailers on their platform.  In addition, this law would prohibit a third-party delivery service from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property of a restaurant, bar or retail establishment without the express written consent of that business.

HB 3205 was signed into law Friday and will take effect January 1, 2023.