SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate Licensed Activities Committee Wednesday that addresses background check delays at childcare facilities across the state.

“I continue to hear about delays with the state’s licensing process,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “As we face a shortage of qualified early education teachers, we have to take the necessary steps to speed up the process.”

House Bill 4412 would allow a childcare facility, non-licensed service provider, day care center, or home-based day cares to use a third-party vendor licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for the required fingerprinting that is part of the application process for facility licensure and as a condition of employment.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect renters from additional payment transaction fees, State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced legislation through the Senate that would require landlords to be more flexible with payment options.

“By requiring landlords to also accept cash or check, we help save Illinoisans from unnecessary transaction fees on their rental payments,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Some leases require 2-3% of rent to cover processing fees which adds a lot to an already high rent, so it is vital we ensure that we save residents money in any capacity we can.”

House Bill 4206 would require landlords to allow tenants to make rental payments by delivering a paper check or cash to the landlord or their business office if the landlord uses a third-party payment portal to collect rent and has a transactional fee or other charge imposed through the portal on the rental payments.

SPRINGFIELD – To increase transparency in health care plans and enhance consumer protections, State Senator Laura Fine advanced legislation that would clarify when an individual is able to challenge an insurance company’s decision to deny a claim.

“Those seeking necessary medical treatments, including those who already received a service, may be surprised when their health insurance refuses to pay for it,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Current standards for reviewing health care services and procedures may inaccurately and unfairly penalize patients, which can delay access to essential services.”

Health insurance providers may deny coverage or refuse to pay for a service, which is known as an adverse benefit determination. However, consumers are able to request an external review of this denial to evaluate its appropriateness. House Bill 2472 would clarify when a consumer can appeal a denial of benefits or request an external review.

“This legislation outlines a path to ensure consumers have access to affordable healthcare,” said Fine.

House Bill 2472 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the Governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“When students don’t have adequate shelter and transportation, it affects their learning ability,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Expanding the Education of Homeless Child and Youth State Grant Program will allow schools to better serve the individual and differing needs of their unhoused student populations.”

House Bill 5407 would expand the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. If enacted, school districts would be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.

SPRINGFIELD – To address extended warranty fraud, State Senator Laura Murphy advanced a measure that would enable vehicle dealers to file suit against scammers that use their intellectual property to deceive consumers.

“Consumers deserve transparency and honesty, but aftermarket sellers often engage in deceitful practices to push unnecessary and overpriced plans,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Through this legislation, we are laying out a way for automobile dealers whose likeness is used to deceive consumers to try to mend their damaged reputations.”

Extended warranty scams have become common in recent years. Frequently, fraudulent letters are marketed to look like they come from an official or authorized source, rather than an aftermarket extended services plan.

SPRINGFIELD — To safeguard working moms, caregivers and others from being overlooked in hiring decisions because of their responsibilities outside of work, State Senator Natalie Toro is championing legislation aimed at prohibiting employer discrimination based on family obligations.

“It is extremely unfair for employers to decide that someone cannot fulfill their duties because they have family obligations, with no proof that this has or would interfere with their capability to be a good employee,” said Toro (D-Chicago). “This gap in the Human Rights Act has allowed many Illinoisans to miss out on major career opportunities because of employers’ biases, and it is long past time to take a stand against these labor practices.” 

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus attended the 31^st annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield.

“Today, we are reminded of our fearless firefighters in our community who protect us every day,” said State Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “As we honor their memory, let us continue our support for those who serve on the front lines, protecting us from harm.”

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial honors the courageous firefighters of Illinois who have valiantly given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with courage, pride and honor. The ceremony also gives families of fallen firefighters the Line of Duty Death Award in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery and resilience.

SPRINGFIELD – To make canceling physical fitness services easier for customers, State Senator Javier Cervantes is moving legislation to require these services have easy and simple ways to cancel a contract.

“This is a simple matter of updating business practices to fit with modern times,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Giving consumers simple and efficient methods to cancel their subscription or contract is one way we can ensure residents are not falling victim to automatically renewing payments for services they no longer use.”

Under the new legislation, businesses offering physical fitness services like gym memberships would need to allow customers to cancel their contract either online or by email, instead of only by mail.