SPRINGFIELD — Taking a significant step toward correcting a historic wrong, legislation that would return ancestral lands to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation cleared the Senate on Sunday. The initiative, led by State Senator Mark Walker, would transfer state-owned lands comprising Shabbona Lake and State Park in DeKalb County to the tribe.

“This is an opportunity to right a past injustice and honor the sovereignty of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “By supporting the creation of the tribe’s reservation, we are making strides toward reconciliation while fostering a partnership with Indigenous communities.”

Senate Bill 867 would authorize the state to transfer approximately 1,500 acres of land that is now Shabbona Lake and State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources would enter into a land-management agreement with the Potawatomi regarding how the park would be managed in the future.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading the charge to provide relief to more than 300,000 residents burdened by medical debt with legislation aimed at easing financial strain and promoting economic stability for individuals and families across the state.

“We know that households burdened by medical debt are less likely to go to the doctor or seek follow-up care, and are more likely to suffer from illness. Our communities need to know they can seek medical care whenever they need it,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “An unexpected injury or illness should never mean having to decide between putting food on the table or paying a medical bill. Too often people ignore their health due to cost – especially those with fixed incomes and tight budgets. We have to look out for them and make sure that a bill is never a barrier to health care.” 

As a component of the governor's Fiscal Year 25 introduced budget, House Bill 5290 seeks to alleviate medical debt for Illinois families through the creation of the Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program Fund. To qualify for the program, individuals must have a household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or possess medical debt amounting to 5% or more of their household income ensuring those facing significant financial hardship from medical expenses receive relief.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed an important measure through the Senate that designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois.

“The 48^th Senate District is home to the soybean capital of the world – Decatur, Illinois,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When designating state symbols, we have to recognize the impact the soybean has on our economy and the number of jobs it creates.”

House Bill 4439 would designate the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the country, with 15% of all U.S. soybeans being produced in Illinois.

"As the largest soybean-producing state, we commend Senator Doris Turner and the General Assembly in passing House Bill 4439 to recognize the importance of soybeans to Illinois agriculture on the 60th Anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association," said Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Ron Kindred.

House Bill 4439 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing former Secretary of State Jesse White's exceptional public service and enduring contributions to Illinois and its residents, State Senator Willie Preston announced the designation of the state office building located at 115 S. LaSalle St. in Chicago as the “Jesse White State of Illinois Building.”

“Jesse White's legacy is defined by his commitment to public service, his dedication to the community and his remarkable achievements as secretary of state,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Naming this building in his honor is a testament to his tireless efforts and the positive impact he has had on Illinois."

Jesse White, who served as Illinois Secretary of State from 1999-2023, is the longest-serving and first African American to hold the office. He is renowned for his transformative leadership, including the implementation of major advancements in technology and customer service, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the Secretary of State's services.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s legislation aimed at strengthening local journalism and supporting aspiring reporters is headed to the governor’s desk.

“Local journalism is vital for our communities, providing necessary information and holding those in power accountable,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This bill ensures that local news organizations remain transparent during critical transitions and supports the next generation of journalists.”

The measure would establish the Journalism Student Scholarship Program to help support students who are pursuing careers in Illinois journalism through financial assistance. The legislation would also require local news organizations to notify the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and employees 120 days before a sale occurs. The goal is to give other businesses, newspapers and nonprofits the chance to step in and keep the publication local, rather than furthering the decline in local journalism by selling to a private equity firm.

“Requiring advance notice for sales protects employees and ensures communities are aware of changes that might affect their local news sources,” said Stadelman.

The Senate concurred to Senate Bill 3592 Friday. It now heads to the governor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement in response to passage of his Senate Bill 3463 in the House, which will make record expungement a smoother process for youth involved with the juvenile court systems:

“We are changing how court systems see young people, helping them get back on track and be a part of the community again.

“Youth involved in the criminal justice system lack consistent legal representation, struggle to navigate legal procedures, and often miss notifications regarding potential expungement opportunities. This initiative prioritizes their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

“Streamlining the expungement process by coordinating it with initial court decisions eliminates unnecessary appearances, enabling more young people to erase their past mistakes and concentrate on building a brighter future.

"I am immensely proud to witness both chambers advance this legislation with bipartisan support, and I look forward to the governor's support by signing Senate Bill 3463 into law.”

SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to recognize and support diverse businesses across Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam passed a resolution to call for continuing minority and women owned diversity business enterprise programs.

“It is important that we continue fighting for more economic opportunities within our communities,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Small and diverse businesses are the essential backbone of our neighborhoods, and provide vital opportunities for all.”

After the U.S. Supreme Court deemed affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional, the court will potentially take up cases regarding diversity business enterprise programs and its constitutionality. This will potentially create challenges for DBE programs across the country – including in Illinois. Villivalam’s resolution recognizes the importance, need and utilization of M/W/DBE programs within the state, while urging Congress to take action to support these programs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a resolution to encourage election authorities to sign eligible students up to serve as deputy registrars.

“Increasing civic engagement and creating more informed young citizens will have a positive impact on them and on Illinois,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s important for young people to have a say on things that will affect their future.”

Senate Resolution 532 urges election authorities to conduct outreach and training to qualified high school students to serve as deputy registrars. Deputy registrars are appointed by a county clerk to register eligible individuals to vote. Individuals who are at least 17 years old can serve as deputy registrars.

“Increasing the rate at which young people participate in civic activities has been a goal of mine for years,” said Morrison. “It is my hope that starting young people’s participation in the electoral process early will result in a more involved community going forward.”

Senate Resolution 532 was adopted by the Senate Saturday.