Caucus News

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined Illinois State University leaders and state officials Monday to celebrate the opening of the university’s new College of Engineering facility.

“The opening of Illinois State University’s School of Engineering is an exciting investment in our students and the future of our workforce,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Expanding opportunities to pursue engineering at ISU will help grow the talent pipeline so more students call central Illinois home.”

Happy Labor Day!

This Labor Day, let’s take time to thank all the hardworking men and women in Illinois who work every day to make our state a great place to live.

Illinois has a proud history of working people standing together. We thank all the frontline workers who risk their safety daily to take care of the rest of us.

Have an enjoyable and safe Labor Day!

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Villivalam leads law regulating use of micromobility devices

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that establishes regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents – jeopardizing community safety.”

Read more.

Lightford leads law to allow clear designation of intellectual disabilities on a driver's license

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford pushed for a protocol that will give drivers with autism and other intellectual disabilities the ability to clearly define their disability on their license – leading to safer traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement.

“A routine traffic stop is stressful for anyone – but for a driver with autism or another condition that affects how they process social cues and respond to commands, it can quickly escalate into a crisis,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). "Both the driver and officer deserve tools to prevent that escalation.”

Read more.

Guzmán law improves health, safety and dignity on construction jobsites

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation, developed in partnership with Chicago Women in Trades, to improve sanitation, workplace accommodations and access to menstrual products on construction jobsites has been signed into law.

“Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to safe, sanitary working conditions,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “For too long, construction workers who menstruate, are pregnant or are lactating have been expected to work without the most basic accommodations. These are not special privileges. They are common-sense workplace standards that help more women and transgender folks to enter, stay in and thrive in the trades.”

Read more.

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Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a new law that establishes regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“Technology is evolving, providing expanded mobility options for our neighbors through the rise in popularity of e-bikes and scooters,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But without clear regulations for these devices, we are seeing increased injuries and accidents – jeopardizing community safety.”

Stadelman law strengthens orders of protections for Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”

Read more.

Patients, clients to be protected from sexual abuse in state's health care system under Villanueva law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a new law that will implement stricter, mandatory reporting requirements when a patient or client experiences sexual abuse or misconduct perpetrated by a licensed health care professional.

“Being assaulted or exploited doesn’t only cause physical harm, but it also leads to severe, long-lasting emotional turmoil and often times completely eradicates that patient’s trust in our health care system,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Health care professionals across this country take an oath to do no harm, so when a doctor, nurse, practitioner, clinician or any other professional takes advantage of their patient, they must be swiftly brought to justice.”

Read more.

Porfirio law to provide local flexibility for urgent road safety concerns

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Mike Porfirio will allow local governments to take swift action to solve road safety hazards if certain criteria are met.

“My priority will always be to keep our road roads safe both for drivers and pedestrians, especially in areas of critical need,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I will always support study-backed solutions to solving road safety issues, but in instances of urgent safety hazards, we need to enable local governments to take quick action to protect residents.”

Read more.

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State Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: New IL law prohibits private schools from banning religious hairstyles | WAND

Copyright 2026 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford pushed for a protocol that will give drivers with autism and other intellectual disabilities the ability to clearly define their disability on their license – leading to safer traffic stops and interactions with law enforcement.

“A routine traffic stop is stressful for anyone – but for a driver with autism or another condition that affects how they process social cues and respond to commands, it can quickly escalate into a crisis,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). "Both the driver and officer deserve tools to prevent that escalation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s legislation, developed in partnership with Chicago Women in Trades, to improve sanitation, workplace accommodations and access to menstrual products on construction jobsites has been signed into law.

“Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and have access to safe, sanitary working conditions,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “For too long, construction workers who menstruate, are pregnant or are lactating have been expected to work without the most basic accommodations. These are not special privileges. They are common-sense workplace standards that help more women and transgender folks to enter, stay in and thrive in the trades.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law, closing a gap that could leave victims vulnerable between an emergency order of protection and the service of a final order of protection.

“When court determines that survivor needs a final order of protection, that protection should never be interrupted because of an administrative delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will ensure an order of protection remains fully enforceable throughout the process and will give survivors greater certainty that the legal protections granted to them will remain in place.”