SPRINGFIELD – To ensure they can more easily prove they’re under an order of protection, Illinois would issue an official card for survivors of domestic violence under a measure sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).

“We must do all we can to protect survivors of domestic violence and provide them with the peace of mind that they are safe,” Morrison said. “Allowing them to have a convenient way to live life with the fullest protection possible is pertinent.”

Under the measure, survivors of domestic violence who have an order of protection would be granted a “Hope Card” to carry as official documentation of the order. The driver’s license-sized, laminated card could be distributed to people who may need to be aware of the order in an easier and more convenient way than traditional paper copies. 

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to pay tribute to the sacrifices of our fallen and disabled service members, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) passed legislation through the Senate Saturday to create a Folds of Honor license plate for families of service members who died in the line of duty.     

“Creating a personalized license plate in Illinois is a simple way for us to support Folds of Honor’s mission,” Bennett said. “With the passage of this legislation, Folds of Honor will be able to increase the number of academic scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help combat mental health crises among students, State Senator Tom Cullerton (D- Villa Park) is spearheading a measure that would require school districts and universities to provide contact information for mental health resources on the back of student ID cards.

“Young adults were particularly susceptible to mental health issues and high suicide rates even before the pandemic,” Cullerton said. “As students get back on campus, whether they’re in middle school or college, they should have easy access to resources like crisis lines.”

Between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates for people aged 10-24 increased by 57.4%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) continued his years-long effort to protect Illinois communities from toxic coal ash pollution by passing legislation through the Senate Saturday to ensure only trained employees work on coal ash removal projects.

“Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal in a power plant, is extremely dangerous and creates challenges for communities who want to reuse former coal plant sites or attract new businesses,” Bennett said. “Proper cleanup is essential to correcting coal's toxic footprint in Illinois.”

Bennett introduced House Bill 3783 to establish training standards for workers constructing, installing, modifying or closing Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) surface impediments, otherwise known as coal ash pits.

Under Bennett’s plan, anyone working on a coal ash pit would be required to participate in training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The training would cover erosion control and environmental remediation, as well as the operation of heavy equipment and excavation. 

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) to include contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line on student identification cards passed the Senate this week. 

“Students are constantly required to use their student ID cards, and keeping these mental health resources close at hand can be the difference between life and death,” Bennett said. “While we hope nobody has to use these numbers, no one is immune to mental health issues. If students need it, the helpline number is right in their pocket.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) is pushing legislation to help schools identify students who are at higher risk of suicide, in order to help provide those students with more resources.

 “We know there are certain factors that put people of greater risk of suicidal thoughts,” Martwick said. “Recognizing this fact and providing students who may need help with more resources could save lives.”

This legislation requires schools to adopt policies that prioritize students who may be at higher risk of suicide for intervention. This includes students who are suffering from a mental health or substance abuse disorder, have a history of self-harm or attempted suicide, are experiencing housing struggles, have lost a loved one to suicide, and are part of the LGBTQ community.

SPRINGFIELD – To expand access to birth control – especially for women with limited financial resources – State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) passed a measure to allow people to receive contraceptives without visiting a doctor.

“Birth control is a basic health care service and should be treated as such,” Bush said. “Providing greater access to contraceptives is providing a more equitable health care system.”

Many women struggle to access hormonal contraceptives, which historically have only been prescribed through a physician. They may not know where to go, or are unable to afford doctor’s appointments. Pharmacists, however, are typically much more accessible than a physician.

To give women easier, more affordable access to birth control, Bush championed a measure to allow pharmacists to issue hormonal contraceptives, including oral tablets, vaginal rings and topical patches.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would allow water and sewer utilities to provide an additional financial assistance program passed the Senate on Friday.

“Financial assistance policies for electric and gas services exist in Illinois, but not for water and sewer services,” Belt said. “Many families spend a large percent of their monthly income on utility services. It’s important we extend the policies to include water and sewer, especially for those who struggle to pay their bills.”

The legislation would create the Water and Sewer Low-Income Assistance Fund, authorizing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to make payments directly to the utility providers on behalf of qualified customers. The fund is financed through the opt-in program. One-third of the available funds will go to the households with the lowest incomes. Older adults and people with disabilities will also be prioritized.