SPRINGFIELD – In memory of many friends and loved ones who have succumbed to the disease, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored a law to encourage early detection and improve outcomes by expanding access to pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer can be deadly, but early detection makes a significant difference for patients’ length of survival and quality of life,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to have sponsored this law to make screening accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure requires all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings.

SPRINGFIELD – More survivors of violent crime will be able to keep their home addresses private as participants in the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program under a new law by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) that expands protections for survivors of human trafficking.

“Violent crime survivors undergo substantial emotional and mental trauma,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By adding human trafficking to the list of crimes protected by the ACP, we’re offering survivors some peace of mind that their sensitive personal information is safe and protected against abusers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Parents can now enjoy the peace of mind that videos of their students at school won’t be shared with unauthorized parties under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) removing the video recording requirement from the Illinois edTPA teacher licensing assessment.

“In order to gain a teaching license, educators in training have been forced to put kids’ privacy—and in some cases, their safety—at risk,” Murphy said. “With new cybersecurity threats being discovered every day, this law ensures our students are protected.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) led an initiative that would extend the student-assistance contribution tax credit, which was signed into law Friday. 

“As college prices continue to rise, it is crucial that some incentives or financial relief are provided when possible,” Hunter said. “Children who have a savings account are more likely to go to college, so it is important to encourage planning early.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and State Representative Dave Vella requires state agencies and institutions to only purchase American and Illinois flags manufactured in the United States.

“There’s no reason for us to be flying American and Illinois flags made in other countries,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting local manufacturing and business economies at the same time.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.

“While a lot of our favorite activities were halted during the pandemic – much of our daily work and meetings weren’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”

CHICAGO – A new law sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) expands eligibility requirements for the state’s Rental Housing Support Program to higher income levels.

“Many renters in our state are still reeling from the economic effects of COVID-19,” Simmons said. “The harsh reality is that many Illinoisans are burdened by their rent, and the programs we have in place to offer support need to adjust to meet that reality.”

House Bill 648 raises the income threshold for a tenant to qualify for the rental assistance program from 30% of the median family income for the area to 35%.  Once that threshold is met, tenants begin phasing out of the program, which is administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

“This new law will help provide some relief to working class people as they work to rebound from a global pandemic,” Simmons said.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed the legislation into law Friday. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will begin phasing out toxic PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foam under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was signed into law on Friday.

“PFAS exposure has been shown to have serious health consequences, including kidney issues and cancer,” Ellman said. “We need to act if we wish to decrease the public’s exposure, especially firefighters.”