SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to safeguard student athletes, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen brought House Bill 2521 to the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday to increase protections for students and strengthen background checks for sports officials.

“As an educator, it is of utmost importance to safeguard our children, both in and out of the classroom,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps ensure all children are safe and guarded while participating in high school athletics.”

Under current law, school employees, including bus drivers, are required to undergo fingerprint background checks. However, background checks do not apply for sports officials, such as referees or umpires.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam hosted a press conference Tuesday morning, highlighting Senate Bill 1939 and how it supports the state’s economy, auto dealers, workforce and the future of electric vehicles.

“This legislation protects Illinois jobs, as we have over 700 dealers serving communities across the state that have created, maintained and supported over 90,000 jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago).

Recently, out-of-state corporations have repeatedly bypassed the state’s current franchise system by selling directly to consumers through new subsidiary companies. Currently, some corporations such as Rivian and Lucid have received previous approval to participate in direct-to-consumer sales.

SPRINGFIELD — Today, children have internet access at every turn — from tablets to phones and other smart devices — putting them at greater risk of exploitation. To help protect children from this growing threat, State Senator Julie Morrison is working with the Illinois State Police to expand their authority to investigate and put an end to these internet crimes.

“Online predators don’t limit themselves based on county lines, so neither should our police investigations,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation removes barriers to allow state police to act quickly and effectively when children are targeted online.”

House Bill 2586 would give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The legislation aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes would bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus met with students from throughout Illinois at the Capitol Tuesday during their annual Tech Day event, which showcases student-made technological projects.

“Every year, Tech Day shows us just how brilliant Illinois students are becoming,” said State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). “As long as we continue to value STEM education in Illinois, we invest in our states future as an innovative workforce. These students are already solving complex problems, and it’s our job to ensure they have the resources to keep learning in this highly dynamic field of study”

The Illinois Digital Educators Alliance collaborates with Tech Day to provide students with a platform for showcasing their robotics, coding software design and digital innovation projects to state legislators. The event demonstrates the vital role of science, mathematics and engineering in education as it prepares students for their future careers.

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus gathered to honor firefighters who risked their lives on the job during the 32^nd annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony.

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.

Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary's Springfield visit

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield this week, viewing it as yet another attempt by this administration to instill fear within our Latino and immigrant communities. In response, the ILLC released the following statement:

“It is both sinister and cowardly that Noem would choose Latino Unity Day—a celebration of community advocacy—to undermine immigrant voices. This calculated move aims to fuel anxiety and polarization while exploiting our resilience for political gain."

Read more.

Senate passes Glowiak Hilton bill to help sexual assault survivors get home from treatment

SPRINGFIELD – After experiencing a sexual assault, survivors often face the added stress of figuring out how to get to a safe location once their medical exam is complete. To help ease this burden, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced a bill that would expand the state’s sexual assault services voucher program to cover transportation following treatment.

“No one should be left stranded after a traumatic experience,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This bill makes sure survivors can get to their next destination safely, without worrying about the cost.”

Read more.

Loughran Cappel works to remove statute of limitations for child trafficking

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel passed a measure out of committee that would allow individuals trafficked or exploited as minors more time to bring forth charges.

“The victims of crimes like these can take time to come forward because of trauma or other hardships,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Eliminating the time restriction would help ensure survivors can tell their story when they feel ready, not when the law says so.”

Read more.

Senate Democrats wear sneakers for Cancer Awareness

SPRINGFIELD – During a busy legislative session day, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus put on their best sneakers with their usual session attire to demonstrate support for cancer patients and survivors throughout the state.

“This day is more than a symbolic gesture, it’s a reminder that cancer can touch every community, every family and every heart,” said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “For members of the General Assembly, wearing sneakers with our professional attire highlights the importance of funding cancer research, promoting early detection and ensuring access to care for all. It’s a small step that speaks to a much larger cause, calling for continued awareness, advocacy and action.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Mary Edly-Allen, Libertyville: Dillon’s Law Advances: Communities Prepared for Allergic Reactions | World Today News

Senator Laura Fine, Glenview: Illinois bill to ban the sale of Styrofoam food packaging passes the Senate | WCIA

Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Maywood: Illinois bill to ban early elementary expulsions passes the Senate Education Committee | WAND TV

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her efforts to protect the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation this week to update Illinois’ property laws with gender-neutral language.

“I’m proud of what Illinois has done to support the LGBTQ+ community, from updating our marriage laws with gender-neutral language to easing barriers to name changes,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “House Bill 1083 continues this critical work of ensuring Illinois’ laws give people the freedom to live as their true, authentic selves.”

Current law only references property transfers between a husband and wife, which has led to lengthy delays in real estate transactions for same-sex couples and transgender individuals in Illinois. Feigenholtz’s proposal addresses this problem by revising state law to refer to married couples with gender-neutral language, giving clarity to title companies and ensuring same-sex couples do not face barriers to acquiring or transferring property.

SPRINGFIELD — Like large urban centers throughout the country, downtown Chicago faces critical challenges coming out of the pandemic as people make different decisions about how and where they live, work, dine and play — something State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is working to change.

“With hybrid workforces, evolving consumer habits and low office occupancy rates across the central business district, Chicago is in need of a united revitalization effort,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “By carefully examining what other cities have done to bounce back from post-pandemic challenges, we can creatively and sustainably rebuild our vibrant, thriving downtown economy.”

Feigenholtz is working to create the Chicago Downtown Revitalization Task Force. The task force would study factors impacting long-term growth in Chicago’s central business district and recommend innovative policies to enhance economic activity, attract travelers and investments, and increase the overall vitality of the city’s central business district.