SPRINGFIELD – Effective Jan. 1, individuals that lose a child to suicide or homicide have the right to extended bereavement leave thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Karina Villa establishing the Zachary’s Parent Protection Act.

After Laura Kane lost her son, Zachary, to suicide, she was expected to return to work just three days later. Her story inspired the law to protect grieving families from being put in the same situation.

“Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences an individual can face especially when the child’s life was lost too soon to suicide or homicide,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “It is necessary to provide individuals suffering such an immense loss with a suitable amount of time to cope.”

SPRINGFIELD – Motorcyclists no longer have to complete a duplicate driver’s test and will be more visible under two new laws sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We are easing the process for motorcyclists to get their license without taking repetitive, unnecessary tests,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this redundancy will simplify the process for motorcyclists, allowing them to enjoy Illinois’ roads.”

House Bill 2582 removes the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Previously, 16- to 17-year-old motorcyclists were required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

Happy Holidays

We hope this year’s celebrations find you all safe, happy and healthy.

May 2024 bring us the strength to keep working toward a better future for ourselves and our communities.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Copyright 2023 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

SPRINGFIELD – Police departments and sheriffs throughout Illinois will soon have a new resource available to quick track stolen vehicles, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“This new law helps our state’s law enforcement better utilizing the latest technology to track criminal actions,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We will move one step closing toward using technology readily available to track carjackers and kidnappers as they travel from Point A to Point B.”

This ground-breaking initiative goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. 

Nationwide, carjackings are on the rise, but without formal coordination between authorities and vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement officers had little to no ability to access real-time tracking information.

SPRINGFIELD – As 2023 draws to a close, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is looking ahead to 2024 with a sense of accomplishment and hope. Several impactful bills championed by the caucus will take effect Jan. 1, tackling critical issues like education, healthcare and criminal justice reform.

“Looking ahead to the new laws taking effect, we are prioritizing underserved schools, ending youth solitary confinement, creating successful pathways to reentry and so much more,” said State Senator Robert Peters, Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Senate chair (D-Chicago). “I am proud of the legislative work we have done collectively to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable communities.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Javier Cervantes prohibits people from using social media or video calling apps while driving in Illinois starting Jan. 1.

“I am proud of the collaborative work we have done to protect Illinois drivers and ensure safe practices while driving in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will take action against drivers who neglectfully put others’ lives at risk. I want to thank community advocates and the Secretary of State’s office for working with us to protect Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2431 prohibits the use of any electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the law prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will have greater access to care and mental health services after State Senator Ann Gillespie’s comprehensive Medicaid overhaul takes effect Jan. 1.

“Thousands of Illinois residents depend on health care through Medicaid,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “We are helping providers with offering affordable and high-quality care by expanding services, investing in telehealth and increasing reimbursement rates.”

SPRINGFIELD – A law championed by State Senator Willie Preston requiring the Secretary of State to provide previously incarcerated individuals with an Illinois ID upon their release goes into effect Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

“We are offering a lifeline to individuals who have paid their debt to society,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Access to valid identification isn’t just about a card; it’s a key to unlocking opportunities, restoring dignity and rebuilding lives. This law ensures individuals aren’t faced with unfair barriers while reentering our communities.”

The new law requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice with a valid ID after receiving the individual’s birth certificate, social security card, photograph and proof of residency upon discharge.