SPRINGFIELD – Emphasizing the critical need for improved access to colonoscopy screenings, State Senator Willie Preston advanced legislation to facilitate the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.

“By making these screenings more accessible, we offer individuals the opportunity to detect and address health concerns early on, minimizing the risk of serious complications down the road,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “The peace of mind that comes with being confident that your insurance covers preventative care is not just a luxury — it is a fundamental right that Illinoisans will have by expanding access to these screenings.”

According to data reported from the National Cancer Institute in 2023, colon cancer was responsible for 7.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and 8.6% of all cancer deaths. The Institute also projected that about 4.1% of the population will be diagnosed with colon cancer at some point during their lifetime based on data collected from 2017 to 2019.

SPRINGFIELD – There may soon be a law on the books to provide vehicle owners with a defense against the rise in theft of catalytic convertors in Illinois thanks to efforts from State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“This initiative provides vehicle owners with another line of defense to make it difficult for those stealing catalytic converters to sell and profit off the illegal sale of these parts,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Undergoing the process of filing an insurance claim and replacing catalytic converters is an unnecessary burden on drivers.”

Hastings’ measure, House Bill 4589, would require recyclable metal dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings of the catalytic convertor.

It would also require them to obtain and retain a copy of the certificate of title or uniform invoice showing the seller's ownership of the vehicle in transactions involving catalytic convertors.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed an initiative through the Senate Insurance Committee to fill gaps in current breast cancer screening coverage and ensure that all Illinoisans are able to receive screening that accurately detects breast cancer.

“Standard mammograms aren’t always effective on patients with dense breasts. Unfortunately, insurance companies may deny having additional tests that are needed to detect cancer. This denial can lead to life-threatening situations for those who cannot afford additional tests,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “We must ensure that we do not put profit over people’s health, and require these insurance plans to cover all medically necessary tests, and not just the bare minimum.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci’s measure to extend utility bill relief so more Illinois households can receive assistance advanced through the Senate.

“If we want to help keep people in their homes, especially those on a fixed income, this is the right thing to do,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The extension of this program is an investment in the health and well-being of our community.”

Faraci’s measure would eliminate the scheduled sunset date on a state fund that finances two needs-based assistance programs – the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). The fund was set to shut down Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced a measure through the Illinois Senate to create specialty Air Force Combat Action Medal license plates. 

“This is a way for us to thank Air Force veterans for their service to our country,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I was proud to see this measure pass with bipartisan support.”

Currently, the Air Force is the only branch of the military that does not have a license plate for combat veterans. The Illinois Secretary of State is authorized to issue Combat Action Ribbon license plates to members of the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps, and Combat Action Badge license plates to special groups within the Army.

Halpin’s measure would allow the Secretary of State to issue Air Force Combat Action Medal license plates to Air Force veterans who were awarded the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

House Bill 4108 passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and service members across the state will have enhanced benefits knowledge, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to produce and distribute a comprehensive benefits, services and protections poster.

“This measure underscores our commitment to ensuring transparency and accessibility in regard to veteran and service member benefits,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By providing clear information about the protections available to them, we are honoring their sacrifices and demonstrating our pledge to supporting them in every way.”

Through Porfirio’s initiative, veterans and service members will have streamlined access to information about critical resources, — such as tax benefits and the Illinois veteran driver’s license — empowering these individuals to navigate the complexities of their available support systems effectively. The measure will centralize essential information in one accessible format, helping to facilitate informed decision-making.

House Bill 4757 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and advances to the governor for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would expand eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

“No person should have to worry about how they are going to afford their utility bills,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Expanding LIHEAP provides us a unique opportunity to give some of our most vulnerable residents a sense of security.”

House Bill 4141 would allow people to apply for LIHEAP if they live in subsidized housing, if their rental expenses are no more than 30% of the household income, or if their energy bill is a portion of their rent.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to make medication more accessible to Illinoisans, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton advanced an initiative to prohibit pharmacists from refusing to fill a written prescription.

“Denying medication because of how it is sent to the pharmacy creates unnecessary complications that could cost a patient their life,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Individuals should be able to easily access their prescriptions, not be penalized because of a technicality.”

In response to the opioid epidemic, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law in 2021 requiring prescriptions of controlled substances to be sent electronically. However, some pharmacists are now refusing to fill non-electronic prescriptions despite exceptions to the current law. House Bill 4874 would prohibit a pharmacist from refusing to fill a paper or non-electronic prescription.