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.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“This bill is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As someone who received a lifesaving kidney transplant, I know firsthand how life-changing and life-saving these donations are. We should be removing barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.”

SPRINGFIELD —Seeking to ensure greater fairness and dignity in access to life insurance, State Senator Adriane Johnson champions legislation that would prohibit insurers from denying final expense life insurance coverage solely because an applicant has a past felony conviction.

“No one should be denied the ability to plan for the future because of a past mistake,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “People who have served their time deserve the opportunity to protect their loved ones from the financial burdens that come with end-of-life costs.”

House Bill 2425 would prohibit companies offering final expense life insurance policies from refusing to insure someone, limiting their coverage, or charging higher rates solely based on a felony conviction. The bill makes clear that this protection does not extend to individuals who are currently incarcerated.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler is championing two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Our local hospitals and federal qualified health centers need this program to be able to provide healthcare services for the poor and uninsured. The corrections we have made in how this program works will make a difference to struggling communities throughout the state,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This will cover the expenses that otherwise would be passed on to patients who have insurance.”

House Bill 2371 would establish the patient access to Pharmacy Protection Act, which would prohibit pharmaceutical manufacturers from imposing restrictive conditions on hospitals and pharmacies under the federal 340B program. The measure would prohibit manufacturers from limiting the number of pharmacies a hospital can use. The bill would further require hospitals to report on an annual basis the use of those funds for charity care, thus providing transparency for the program.

SPRINGFIELD — To protect Illinois residents from the long-term health risks posed by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would eliminate their use within common household products sold in the state.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about being repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals from products they use every day,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the product of extensive negotiations with state agencies and stakeholders to take a proactive response to a growing crisis.”

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 — Illinois survivors of abuse and assault are closer to obtaining a fairer justice system, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Survivors of abuse have already endured unimaginable trauma,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our justice system should never add to their suffering by silencing them or leaving them behind.” 

Peters’ bill defends victims of domestic abuse, reinforcing their right to be heard. Under the measure, law enforcement would be prohibited from discouraging or attempting to discourage a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or sexual assault from filing a police report – holding police accountable and allowing victims to seek justice without fear of being silenced.