SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Corrections will be required to digitize all master record files thanks to State Senator Rachel Ventura’s measure that was signed into law today.

“We cannot rely on the old paper filing system that is still in place. Papers can go missing, making the outdated release process unnecessarily long,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “In the long run, having digital access to these records will not only save the state money, but also ensure that those who have been waiting to be released and go back into their communities are not idly waiting for months on end simply because Illinois didn’t have an updated records system.”

SPRINGFIELD – Families with specific dog breeds may face home or renter insurance discrimination because insurers perceive their breed as dangerous. State Senator Linda Holmes wants to prohibit that insurance practice, and her House Bill 1049 to amend insurance code to this effect has been signed into law today.

"For years, harmful stereotypes of certain dog breeds have allowed insurers to punish families for owning a specific dog breed, resulting in cancelation or stiff premiums for their policies,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This measure will help ensure that all dog owners are treated fairly in the insurance market.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents will now be given clear notice on contracts that automatically renew, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“Automatic renewal contracts can be confusing, and businesses take advantage of this all the time,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs “This new law will ensure residents give clear consent when entering into a contract so they are not charged for services they do not need or want.”

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to steadfast, responsible leadership from members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, the governor signed the state’s fifth balanced budget in a row into law Wednesday.

“Passing this budget was an exercise in trust, working together to prioritize paying down debt, shoring up our rainy day fund and ensuring a durable, balanced budget,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his commitment to responsible budgeting. I also want to thank Speaker Welch for his partnership and the incredible Senate budget negotiators for their hard work. The future looks bright for Illinois.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 budget reflects fiscal responsibility, building upon four years of historic fiscal progress with a commitment to balanced budgets, eight credit rating upgrades, a Rainy Day Fund set to surpass $2 billion, and the elimination of the bill backlog.

Prioritizing education from birth to graduation, the budget includes investments to expand preschool and ensure that everyone at or below the median income level can go to community college for free.

Holmes, Morrison advocate for drone use by law enforcement for public safety

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Linda Holmes and Julie Morrison worked together to pass a measure to enhance public safety through the use of drones following two separate mass shooting tragedies that tore apart communities they represent.

“Drones provide an invaluable resource that can be used to monitor large crowds for suspicious activity,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This technology exists – there’s no reason we shouldn’t put it in the hands of law enforcement.”

House Bill 3902 allows law enforcement to use drones to monitor special events, like parades and festivals, to detect breaches and identify public safety issues.

“This measure gives police and other first responders critical information in a chaotic situation where lives are at stake,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This capability could spare another community the suffering and trauma we experienced here.”

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Murphy pushes for ethics in automated traffic enforcement

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy championed legislation to establish ethical guidelines to address ongoing concerns regarding automated traffic enforcement.

“The public deserves to have the utmost trust in their government and their law enforcement,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We need to ensure that there is accountability and honesty on all levels.”

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Feigenholtz extends cocktails to-go through 2028

SPRINGFIELD – In an attempt to help shuttered restaurants, bars, and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed a law permitting mixed drink delivery and takeout. To many establishments this effort was vital, enabling them to keep their doors open during the extended stay-at-home order.

This week, Governor Pritzker signed a five-year extension for cocktails to-go into law so that establishments can continue this wildly popular practice.

"The pandemic has changed the dining out habits of many. At the time, cocktails to-go was necessary, and many continue to enjoy the convenience for entertaining at home," Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “The hospitality industry is filled with food and drink artists who are in constant reinvention mode. Giving them room to create their craft is how Chicago has become the number one culinary destination in the world.”

Read more.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Linda Holmes and Julie Morrison worked together to pass a measure to enhance public safety through the use of drones following two separate mass shooting tragedies that tore apart communities they represent.

“Drones provide an invaluable resource that can be used to monitor large crowds for suspicious activity,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This technology exists – there’s no reason we shouldn’t put it in the hands of law enforcement.”

House Bill 3902 allows law enforcement to use drones to monitor special events, like parades and festivals, to detect breaches and identify public safety issues. Addressing concerns about drone surveillance and privacy, the measure sets specific limits on where and how drones can be used, restricts photography, prohibits facial recognition or onboard weapons, and adds reporting and retention constraints.

The measure comes after Holmes’ and Morrison’s communities faced tragic events that left a total of a dozen innocent people dead.

SPRINGFIELD – In an attempt to help shuttered restaurants, bars, and venues during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed a law permitting mixed drink delivery and takeout. To many establishments this effort was vital, enabling them to keep their doors open during the extended stay-at-home order.

This week, Governor Pritzker signed a five-year extension for cocktails to-go into law so that establishments can continue this wildly popular practice.

"The pandemic has changed the dining out habits of many. At the time, cocktails to-go was necessary, and many continue to enjoy the convenience for entertaining at home," Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “The hospitality industry is filled with food and drink artists who are in constant reinvention mode. Giving them room to create their craft is how Chicago has become the number one culinary destination in the world.”

SPRINGFIELD – To provide more food options for all faiths in Illinois, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed legislation that would provide kosher and halal food options in public schools and state facilities.

“We are recognizing the cultural needs of our community and this is a big step for families who eat kosher or halal,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Everyone deserves to have an option that fits their needs. With this legislation I hope to expand the available options for all residents in Illinois.”

House Bill 3643, would require all public schools, the University of Illinois Hospital and state correctional facilities to offer a kosher and halal food option upon request.