Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 4509 designed to improve nursing home mental health evaluations has become law.

“Careful care of our most vulnerable population sends a clear message that even as you age, our state will allow you to do so with grace and dignity,” said Koehler (D-Peoria) “This law ensures that those who are in nursing home care living with a serious mental illness receive the proper help and mental health review so they can return to a life of comfort without being a threat to those around them.”

The new law requires the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any individual admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission. It would also require a resident review within 72 hours when a resident with serious mental illness experiences a significant change in their physical or mental health.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will address growing concerns regarding health care and disability service agencies being owned by private equity asset management companies.

“Our disability service systems must be accountable to the people they serve,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With more transparent information about agencies’ ownership, lawmakers and regulators will be in a stronger position to ensure our most vulnerable residents are protected from losing the services they need and can continue to lead fulfilling lives.”

Expansion of supported decision-making law maximizes independence for all

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will soon join a growing list of states that have maximized independence by expanding alternatives to traditional guardianship under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“Individuals should be able to make independent choices regarding their personal and financial life decisions,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “This new law will support that goal, giving people the freedom to decide for themselves, while ensuring guidance is there when they need it.”

Illinois’ supported decision-making process allows an individual to identify a supporter to help them interpret information, weigh options and communicate their decisions about health care, life choices and financial matters. This unique model fosters confidence and supports people’s ability to make informed decisions while maintaining autonomy.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman to strengthen protections for older adults and vulnerable individuals facing abuse, neglect and financial exploitation has been signed into law, providing courts with additional tools to intervene quickly and prevent further harm.

“Financial exploitation can be devastating, stripping vulnerable individuals of their savings, independence and security,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This new law will give courts and law enforcement the ability to act swiftly when exploitation is suspected, helping protect victims and preserve their assets before irreversible damage occurs.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a new law to protect seniors and adults with disabilities from financial exploitation by empowering banks, credit unions and investment firms to intervene when suspicious activity is detected on a vulnerable adult's account.

“Financial exploitation is one of the most devastating forms of elder abuse, and it often goes undetected until serious damage has already been done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “House Bill 4911 gives banks, credit unions and financial professionals the authority and the protection they need to step in when something doesn't look right – and that could make all the difference for a vulnerable adult and their family.” 

ELGIN — To strengthen student engagement and support academic success, a new law championed by State Senator Cristina Castro will create a statewide school cellphone ban, helping schools foster distraction-free learning environments.

“Teachers should not have to compete with a cellphone for a student’s attention,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By removing this distraction from the classroom, we are giving educators a better opportunity to engage students and help them succeed.” 

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner will strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“Students with service animals will no longer face setbacks because of a lack of understanding of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure students feel welcome at school, no matter their needs.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Senate Bill 2761 will set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a new law that lets paraprofessionals who have a short-term approval license get a full license after their short-term license expires.

“Illinois’ teacher shortage is impacting children’s ability to learn,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “When we invest in the people already showing up for our students every day, we don’t just fill classrooms – we build careers, strengthen communities and deepen the roots of education from the inside out.”