Caucus News

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law strengthening prevention requirements against plastic pellet runoff to secure clean and healthy waterways for Illinois.

“Industrial plastic runoff continues to pollute our waterways ─ harming aquatic life, water quality and beach health across the Great Lakes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Providing regulations that secure a thriving environment, free from pollution, is imperative.”

SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters led a law to secure petitioning eligibility for protective orders during criminal proceedings.

“All victims of violence deserve to feel protected in our state’s justice system, and they especially deserve to feel free from further harassment or abuse, which is exactly what this law ensures,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “It is incredibly rare for victims to seek justice through legal avenues, so we must make sure that when victims come forward, we’re prioritizing their dignity and safety.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on previous school safety legislation by passing a law that will provide schools with modern tools to quickly alert first responders in the event of a crisis.

“Illinois must continue to be proactive when it comes to the safety of our children,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I am happy to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together to protect our children when we drop them off at school for the day.”

House Bill 5107 will require school districts and private schools to consider the use of a mobile panic alert system in the development of their school emergency and crisis response plans by the beginning of the 2028-2029 school year.

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law improves reporting requirements, reinforces professional boundaries between educators and students and increases transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“We have to recognize and understand the warning signs before a child is harmed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law, schools will establish clear boundaries and professional standards between all students and staff, provide training and give educators the ability to identify and report troubling behavior.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Illinois currently has approximately 200 youth in secure custody, with most released within six to eight months, highlighting the importance of maintaining continuity in oversight and care during and after their time in the system. To address this, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen advanced a new law to improve transparency and ensure better support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

“Every young person in our justice system deserves accountability, support and a clear path forward,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “This law ensures courts remain informed while also making sure youth are supported through every step of their transition back into the community.”

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities was signed into law.

“Everyone in our state deserves the opportunity to earn a living and support their family,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Too many people are being shut out of good jobs because of requirements that have nothing to do with the work, and this measure will help change that.”

The legislation will prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to restrict the construction, operation and placement of federal immigration detention facilities to locations no closer than 1,500 feet from designated protected sites, including educational institutions, child care facilities, places of worship and private residences.

“We need to keep places where children and families gather safe from federal interference,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This law is Illinois telling the federal administration that we won't allow immigration enforcement to disrupt our communities.”