Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — People who have been exonerated in Illinois would have a clearer path to financial stability and support under a landmark measure led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. that has passed the Senate.

“For three out of the last four years, Illinois has led the nation in the number of wrongful convictions that have been overturned,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “When a system continues to fail individuals, families and entire communities, we need to step up and provide the accountability and support they need to begin to heal.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino led an initiative to increase government efficiency and transparency within the health care system by maximizing state dollars to fund the essential services vulnerable communities depend on.

“Access to health care and behavioral health services should not depend on your ZIP code,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “This package will ensure that communities across the state, whether in the city, the suburbs or rural farm towns, have access to care.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman passed legislation belonging to a comprehensive housing package through the Senate that includes multiple consumer provisions. One key provision protects renters from unfair housing costs by prohibiting landlords from requiring tenants to pay broker and leasing agent fees for services hired by the property owner.

“Finding a place to live is expensive enough without being charged for services you never asked for,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “If a landlord hires a broker to market a property and manage the leasing process, that cost should remain with the landlord – not be added to a renter’s bill.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To help communities preserve naturally-occurring affordable, accessible housing and protect residents from displacement, State Senator Mike Simmons passed House Bill 957 which will provide tenants with the right-of-first-refusal to purchase a residential building for themselves should the owner put the building up for sale or try to initiate a sale. Specifically, a 90-day notice would be required to tenants from the property owner before accepting or listing a building sale.

“With rising costs of living and the influence of private equity, residents across Illinois are feeling the strain, and this measure gives them tools to keep their homes,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation balances the need to expand and preserve housing with strong protections for property owners through the right of first refusal, fair valuation requirements, and a transparent acquisition process.”

For many families, seniors and working residents, the sale of their building can mean uncertainty about whether they will be able to remain in their homes. House Bill 957 aims to provide a path to preserve housing when multi-unit residential properties are put up for sale by giving tenants, qualified nonprofit organizations and local governments an opportunity to keep those units affordable for current and future residents.

SPRINGFIELD — To keep students engaged in the classroom and promote better academic outcomes, State Senator Cristina Castro sponsored a measure that would ban cellphones during school time.

“Academic success depends on students being present during class so they can perform their best,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Keeping students’ minds engaged with teachers ensures a productive classroom environment.” 

SPRINGFIELD – As workers and employers continue to navigate economic uncertainty, State Senator Linda Holmes advanced legislation to strengthen Illinois’ unemployment insurance system by protecting benefits, delaying planned contribution increases and helping workers access assistance faster after a mass layoff.

“Workers and employers alike benefit from stability and predictability,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This legislation reflects a collaborative approach that protects working families and individuals when they need it most, ensuring they have a sense of security during a major life change.”

Current law includes automatic changes beginning in 2027 that would temporarily reduce unemployment insurance benefits and increase employer contribution rates. Senate Bill 807 would delay those changes, pushing them to 2029, reducing the size of the temporary benefit decreases when they eventually take effect.

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers could soon have access to safe, accessible facilities under a measure sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“Too many families are forced to cut outings short or avoid public spaces altogether because appropriate facilities simply are not available,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps ensure individuals with disabilities can participate more fully in community life with dignity, safety and support they deserve.”

House Bill 4379 would expand Illinois’ Equitable Restrooms Act by requiring certain newly constructed public buildings and state-owned facilities to provide access to adult changing stations. Adult changing stations provide a safe, sanitary space for caregivers assisting older children and adults with disabilities who require personal care support.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is urging Illinois public safety agencies and community partners to take stronger, more coordinated action to address impaired driving, extreme reckless driving, dangerous social‑media‑driven stunts, and the deadly practice known as “ghosting.”

“The loss of life caused by reckless and impaired driving is not just tragic — it is shattering,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “Behind every statistic is a family whose world has been changed forever. This resolution is a call to confront the most dangerous driving behaviors with the seriousness they demand, and to do everything in our power to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak.”