SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ proposal to put in place state standards for Illinois school districts when it comes to emergency response and threat assessments was signed into law on Friday.

“When an emergency strikes, people lock in to what they have been trained to do,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Getting this bill signed into law means Illinois is working to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to the safety of our children.”

Senate Bill 2057 requires the State Board of Education to provide school districts with standards for a school district's threat assessment procedures. The law allows the Illinois State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshall to create new rules that guide school districts, private schools, and first responders on how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans, and cardiac emergency response plans. The law also gives guidance for school districts notifying parents and the community of threats against a school.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law passed by State Senator Doris Turner mandates training for emergency medical dispatchers on how to provide CPR instructions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

“When emergency dispatchers are equipped to handle these situations, there’s a better chance for survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure people’s health and safety is a top priority.”

Senate Bill 1295 requires all 911 telecommunicators and emergency medical dispatchers to be trained in telecommunicator CPR. T-CPR involves a dispatcher providing over-the-phone CPR instructions to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. This process is a key part of the chain of survival for cardiac arrest.

SPRINGFIELD – To address health care deserts and provide mothers the care they need, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility in care they provide.

“This law gives our nurse midwives more flexibility in collaborating and delivering services and care to our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are modernizing rules to fit with providers needs and giving our residents greater access to health care.”

Before this law, certified nurse midwives had to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, but this would pose a challenge as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack sufficient maternity care. Under Collins’ legislation, House Bill 2688, CNMs are now allowed to provide out-of-hospital birth services at licensed birth centers without the need for a formal collaboration agreement, as long as they have permission from the birth center’s clinical director.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters ensures the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed.

“Our workers are the backbone of our state, and when things become uncertain at the federal level, it’s our job to ensure their rights are protected,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law sends a clear message that in Illinois, we fight for working people, and we will not back down.” 

The law prevents the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ law also requires IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and allows legal actions against employers who violate them.

CHICAGO — State Senator Michael E. Hastings joined fellow Senators Patrick Joyce, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Michael Porfirio and Michael Halpin for a visit to Rush University Medical Center’s acclaimed Road Home Program, announcing a $1 million investment through the Rebuild Illinois Program administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The grant will be used to expand services that provide critical mental health and transitional support to returning veterans and their families. The Road Home Program—nationally recognized for its innovative approach to treating post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges veterans face—offers specialized, no-cost care to military members and their loved ones.

“This is more than a check—it’s a lifeline,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort), a West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, and Iraq War veteran. “The Road Home Program not only helped me through my own struggles as a returning combat veteran, it has been a safe harbor for countless others across Illinois. The staff, the doctors, and the welcoming, nurturing culture of this program are second to none. They deserve more than just a million-dollar investment—they deserve our ongoing commitment and gratitude.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to strengthen prevailing wage rules that will help workers receive higher pay was signed into law on Thursday.

“We don’t want to see the federal government shortchange our workers here in Illinois,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “Illinois workers who literally build our state shouldn’t be cheated by corporate sleight of hand.”

Currently, Illinois’ prevailing wage law does not apply to federal construction projects that require a prevailing wage determination by the United States Secretary of Labor. Belt’s new law clarifies that workers must receive the highest prevailing wage – whether federal or state – in local public works projects that include federal funding. The goal is to eliminate potential confusion when rates differ and specifically impacts projects under state or local control.

SPRINGFIELD — Thousands of human trafficking victims have been identified in Illinois in recent years, but authorities estimate the true number of victims to be much higher. To improve how the state handles trafficking cases, a new law sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison will lead to earlier identification and strengthen support for survivors through better coordination, training and services.

“This law is the result of extensive work among Illinois State Police, state agencies and legislators to close gaps that exist in current processes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By breaking down silos between agencies, we can connect survivors to compassionate support faster and make it more difficult for trafficking networks to operate in the state.”

The new law takes a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to addressing human trafficking. The law builds on recommendations from the Joint Human Trafficking Working Group — created in 2023 with input from over 60 stakeholders and state agencies — and lays out a statewide strategic plan to support trafficking survivors. This includes creating standards of care for medical and legal providers and building a network of accessible services.

SPRINGFIELD – A more comprehensive review of prospective law enforcement officers prior to hiring will be required under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner in response to the horrific murder of Sonya Massey. Turner joined Governor JB Pritzker, members of the Massey family and state and local leaders at the bill signing on Tuesday.

“Sonya’s murder left us with more questions than answers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I’m proud of our collaboration with the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association and the Illinois Chiefs of Police to determine necessary guardrails to ensure we have good officers on our street protecting and serving our communities.”

Senate Bill 1953 requires law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment.