SPRINGFIELD – To tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“By encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This grant opportunity would make a big difference in every corner of the state – tackling the deterioration of the planet head on.”

The ramifications of the climate crisis are felt across all tiers of government. With heightened frequency and intensity of storms, local administrations face the imperative of managing flooding and devising solutions for dirt and snow drifts. Moreover, the escalating emissions from transportation and fossil fuel sources demand urgent attention. Scientific research underscores the efficacy of native grasses and trees in carbon capture. In response to these pressing needs, this bill endeavors to establish a grant program tailored for local governments.

SPRINGFIELD — Infertility treatment is notoriously expensive, and many women in Illinois struggle to afford this care. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro is leading a measure to remove this barrier and make treatments like in vitro fertilization more accessible.

“While other states restrict access to reproductive care, we are committed to remaining a safe haven where those seeking to start or grow their family can access the treatments needed to do so,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “It can be difficult to talk about this issue, but shedding a light on the struggles people face – particularly women of color – is necessary to address barriers.”

Castro is leading a measure that would require health insurance plans in Illinois to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It would also require employers with more than 25 employees to cover an annual menopause health visit for those 45 and older without imposing cost sharing requirements.

SPRINGFIELD — To protect buyers, lenders and homeowners, State Senator Robert Marwick has advanced legislation that would lay out regulations for online foreclosure sales.

“Losing a home through foreclosure proceedings is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This legislation both permits and sets regulations for online foreclosure sales, which can ensure the best possible outcomes for people facing this difficult financial stress.”

The measure would allow online foreclosure sales to be conducted online, in-person or both, and would require the method be included in the notice of sale. Further, the measure includes requirements for a proper online sale including allowable fees, registration and identification requirements, and the bidding procedure.

SPRINGFIELD – To more accurately represent public health, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate, successively, to amend the title of the “Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act,” to be the “Illinois Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Act.” Additionally, the Act will include human papillomavirus and mpox within the updated definition of sexually transmitted infections.

“The need to update language in this legislation reflects a growing and more inclusive understanding of sexual health,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Our legislation should be both scientifically accurate and free from stigmas.”

Simmons’ measure – Senate Bill 3784 – takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health. Senate Bill 3784 changes language updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, Senate Bill 3784 will include HPV and mpox in the definition of STIs.

SPRINGFIELD – School has become increasingly stressful for students, leading State Senator Rachel Ventura to spearhead legislation that would help students reduce anxiety and focus on their physical and emotional needs during school time.

“A student’s life consists of a variety of stressors – from homework to friend groups and life at home. Giving them at least 20 minutes to relax and focus on their mental health will help them feel less stress and in turn produce better outcomes in the classroom,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Helping students identify ways to manage stress and anxiety is just one benefit that could come from this legislation.”

Senate Bill 2872 would provide instruction for school districts on relaxation activities, such as yoga or meditation, once a week for 20 minutes, in addition to recess, to enhance physical and emotional health.

Relaxation activities may include, but are not limited to, mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking, in-person conversation, and other activities. The measure would allow a school district to partner with a local community-based organization to provide the activities.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters is working hard to help more people affected by crime by expanding assistance under the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

“We need a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to support people affected by crime on their journey to justice,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Each person is different and it’s important that our laws take into account the diverse range of experiences and challenges someone may face – especially vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those with disabilities, and tailor support services accordingly.”

SPRINGFIELD — Child labor law violations have increased by 69% since 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, leading State Senator Cristina Castro to spearhead legislation that would codify protections for child performers in Illinois.

“A state with strong worker protections ought to make sure children are protected by those regulations too,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “As the Illinois film industry continues to grow and attract more talent, we need to make sure appropriate safeguards are in place for our youngest performers.”

Currently, minors in Illinois who are employed in the entertainment industry are subject to the Child Labor Law and additional rules for performers set by IDOL. The agency establishes maximum work hours for minors based on their age, including how long they can spend on the set of a production and the length of time spent working that day. Castro’s measure would revise these age limitations, including adding time restrictions for 16-year-olds who are currently exempt from IDOL’s child performer requirements.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“Access to information about tenants’ rights is crucial for promoting stability and preventing exploitation,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Empowering residents allows them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and their rights effectively.”

Under current state law, mobile home park owners are required to obtain a license to operate. If a park owner fails to maintain their license, the tenants are not required to pay rent. Murphy’s measure would ensure no tenant could be evicted for failing to pay rent to an unlicensed mobile home park. A mobile home owner would retain the ability to evict a tenant for failure to comply with park rules, nonpayment of actual rent due, and failure to comply with local ordinances and state laws regulating mobile homes.