SPRINGFIELD – An initiative by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) to prevent children’s lemonade stands from being shut down for not having a permit cleared the Illinois Senate Wednesday. 

The legislation was inspired by 12-year-old Hayli Martinez, whose lemonade stand in Kankakee was flagged by local officials and shut down.

“I once was a kid with a dream to own a business, and the current law discourages our young entrepreneurs – it’s time to stick up for them,” Joyce said. “Opening a lemonade stand is a rite of passage for any child – this legislation allows our youth to be innovative while making some extra money.”

SPRINGFIELD – Due to the extremely high cost of EpiPens, many people go without – living life each day hoping they aren’t faced with an allergic reaction that requires the lifesaving medicine. To combat the burdensome price, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) has passed a measure to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

“With increases in food allergies and other serious allergic conditions, people are relying on EpiPens more than ever,” Morrison said. “Nobody with a serious allergy should go without an epinephrine injector simply because they cannot afford one.”

In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors – also known by the brand name of EpiPens – for minors. However, she wants to take the law one step further by removing the age limitation. Morrison introduced identical legislation last year, but it was stalled due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPRINGFIELD – To enhance employment opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities in the state of Illinois, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) passed legislation in the Senate Wednesday to change the job interview process at state agencies.

“More diverse state agencies not only benefit our government and the people they serve, but they help create a more inclusive Illinois,” Belt said. “The workforce of state agencies should reflect our diversity.”

The measure would create the Equal Opportunity Employment Interview Initiative and require state agencies to implement hiring goals for certain target groups, including women, minorities and people with disabilities.

During a multiple stage or panel interview process, if an applicant has a disability or identifies as a minority, a woman, or bilingual, state agencies would have to assign an interviewer who represents the same group.

SPRINGFIELD – In a victory for Illinois student athletes of all personal, cultural and religious backgrounds, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) has advanced legislation to give student athletes more flexibility in the design of their athletic uniforms.       

“Some team uniforms prevent athletes from feeling confident and accepted on the field, or even from being able to compete at all,” Murphy said. “Allowing athletes to adjust their uniforms according to their needs can give more students the chance to have fun, stay active and be part of a team.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) designed to recognize the historical and present-day contributions of Muslim culture in the state of Illinois passed the State Senate on Wednesday.

“This legislation is meant to raise awareness of the contributions made by the Muslim community across the nation and the state of Illinois,” Ellman said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure all Illinoisans feel represented in this state, and that begins by making sure students learn about people like them in school.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) has passed a measure to allow preventative dental services within schools.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the measure, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 346 passed the Senate Wednesday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s (D-Rockford) legislation to help the state invest in construction projects throughout Illinois passed the State Senate on Wednesday.

The legislation allows the state treasurer to invest up to 5% of the state’s investment portfolio into Illinois infrastructure development companies. This change in the law would allow up to $700 million in financing.

“Financing construction projects across out state also means we’re investing in our workers,” Stadelman said. “This legislation will generate good-paying jobs throughout Illinois.”

The legislation encourages more businesses to locate, expand, and remain in Illinois by investing in quality construction development firms with a significant presence within state borders.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to modernize marriage certificates, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) has passed legislation through the Illinois Senate allowing marriage licenses to use non-gendered language.

“Gendered language on marriage certificates is an outdated requirement,” said Feigenholtz. “Forcing someone to choose between binary terms like bride and groom may not be relevant for all couples. This new practice will reflect the full flexibility of marriage under the law.”

Senate Bill 139 allows married couples to request a new marriage certificate from the county clerk free of any gender identifying language. This includes changing terms like “bride” and “groom” to gender-neutral alternatives such as “spouse.”