SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase patient safety at state run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine passed Senate Bill 857. This legislation increases the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) ability to investigate allegations of abuse and neglect.

“Since 2022, I have visited state-operated mental health and developmental disability facilities across the state to receive feedback and ideas on how we can protect our state's most vulnerable residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure continues that effort by giving the OIG additional tools needed to effectively prevent and deter abuse and neglect.”

Under current law, the Illinois Department of Human Services OIG is required to conduct annual unannounced site visits to all 14 state-operated facilities related to preventing, reporting, investigating and responding to abuse and neglect. Senate Bill 857 expands this preventative measure to give the OIG the ability to conduct targeted site visits to all community agencies in the state, which includes Community Living Arrangements (CILA) and Community Mental Health Centers. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner led a measure through the Senate that would increase public safety by suspending EMS professionals who have been charged with a crime while performing their duties.

“EMS professionals who cause harm to the public need to be held accountable,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Public safety has to be at the forefront of our priorities, especially during an emergency.”

Senate Bill 3134 would allow the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, or their designee, to determine if the suspension of an EMS professional should extend statewide. This would apply in situations when an EMS professional has been charged with a crime while performing their official duties and continuing to practice poses the possibility of harm to the public.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes—a leader with a successful track record of passing pro-consumer health care legislation—advanced a measure through the Senate Wednesday that would require insurers to document whether they have enough physicians and specialists to diagnose and treat their patients.

“When people go to the doctor, they expect they’ll get the care and urgency their condition calls for, but they often have to wait weeks or months for a diagnosis and treatment when they live in smaller communities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “They might suffer needless anxiety or fear waiting on help, simply because the network is understaffed.”

SPRINGFIELD — Individuals with asthma could see significant savings on their prescription inhalers thanks to legislation from State Senator Mattie Hunter that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“No one should struggle to afford their medication while big companies profit,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “While insurance plans cover a portion of asthma treatment costs, we can do more to eliminate the barriers individuals face when trying to manage this long-term condition.”

Senate Bill 3203 limits the cost an individual with health insurance pays for an inhaler to $25 for a 30-day supply. Under Hunter’s measure, health insurance providers would be prohibited from denying or limiting coverage for prescription inhalers beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – To tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks, State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded legislation through the Senate that would create a grant for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change.

“By encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This grant opportunity would make a big difference in every corner of the state – tackling the deterioration of the planet head on.”

The ramifications of the climate crisis are felt across all tiers of government. With heightened frequency and intensity of storms, local administrations face the imperative of managing flooding and devising solutions for dirt and snow drifts. Moreover, the escalating emissions from transportation and fossil fuel sources demand urgent attention. Scientific research underscores the efficacy of native grasses and trees in carbon capture. In response to these pressing needs, this bill endeavors to establish a grant program tailored for local governments.

SPRINGFIELD — Infertility treatment is notoriously expensive, and many women in Illinois struggle to afford this care. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro is leading a measure to remove this barrier and make treatments like in vitro fertilization more accessible.

“While other states restrict access to reproductive care, we are committed to remaining a safe haven where those seeking to start or grow their family can access the treatments needed to do so,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “It can be difficult to talk about this issue, but shedding a light on the struggles people face – particularly women of color – is necessary to address barriers.”

Castro is leading a measure that would require health insurance plans in Illinois to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. It would also require employers with more than 25 employees to cover an annual menopause health visit for those 45 and older without imposing cost sharing requirements.

SPRINGFIELD — To protect buyers, lenders and homeowners, State Senator Robert Marwick has advanced legislation that would lay out regulations for online foreclosure sales.

“Losing a home through foreclosure proceedings is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This legislation both permits and sets regulations for online foreclosure sales, which can ensure the best possible outcomes for people facing this difficult financial stress.”

The measure would allow online foreclosure sales to be conducted online, in-person or both, and would require the method be included in the notice of sale. Further, the measure includes requirements for a proper online sale including allowable fees, registration and identification requirements, and the bidding procedure.

SPRINGFIELD – To more accurately represent public health, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate, successively, to amend the title of the “Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act,” to be the “Illinois Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Act.” Additionally, the Act will include human papillomavirus and mpox within the updated definition of sexually transmitted infections.

“The need to update language in this legislation reflects a growing and more inclusive understanding of sexual health,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Our legislation should be both scientifically accurate and free from stigmas.”

Simmons’ measure – Senate Bill 3784 – takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health. Senate Bill 3784 changes language updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, Senate Bill 3784 will include HPV and mpox in the definition of STIs.