SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—As the General Assembly concluded session this Sunday, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, highlighted her efforts to relieve the affordability crisis and support public safety, healthcare, and education.

“Families have been working harder than ever to make a simple living,” Gill said. “A lot of people haven’t been able to say with confidence where their next meal might come from or how they’ll pay their bills each month. It’s not right that hardworking people are struggling. So I focused on solutions for this crisis through this session and improving benefits for our entire community.” 

Gill supported legislation to help consumers save money and make shopping more affordable by requiring that digital coupons are accessible for all buyers (House Bill 45) and measures to crack down on junk fees by requiring pricing transparency from sellers (House Bill 228). 

She also sponsored legislation to strengthen public safety in the community and support educational programs. This includes:

• Protecting witnesses and victims by prohibiting unauthorized court recording (Senate Bill 4038)
• Requiring pharmacies to list tutorial QR codes that help patients receive USDA recall notices (Senate Bill 3223)
• Supporting educators teaching color literacy to color visual deficient learners (House Bill 3408).

Gill voted for a fiscally and socially responsible budget that makes critical investments in services like food security, increased funding for schools, community-based approaches to public safety, and property tax relief. The budget includes a temporary freeze on state gas tax, stopping a new increase that would have taken effect in July, due to global instability in the market. 

“We’ve worked hard to keep Illinois going in the right direction,” Gill said. “Our priority is an affordable cost of living and measures across education, healthcare, and public safety that will make it easier for everyone in our community to thrive.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—To increase protection for domestic violence survivors and other victims appearing in Illinois courts, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed a bill prohibiting recording and photography in any courtroom without the person or the court’s consent.

“Domestic violence and similar hearings are sensitive cases that should be private, for the sake of the defendant’s safety,” Gill said. “Unless that person or the court has made it clear that any kind of recording or photo taking is permitted, then it shouldn’t be happening.”

Gill sponsored Senate Bill 4038, which prohibits any recording without the victim or witness consent, or the consent of the judge presiding over the court. A victim or witness’s consent does not overrule the judge’s prohibition. Law enforcement body cameras and courthouse security cameras are not included in the ban.

“We want victims and witnesses to feel safe while seeking justice,” Gill said. “We want a court environment that encourages people to feel comfortable speaking up, where they don’t have to feel threatened just because they know what they said on the stand or before the judge might be shared outside of their control for unauthorized purposes.”

The bill passed both the House and the Senate, and now waits to be signed by Governor Pritzker.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Advocating for first responder concerns, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, is advancing legislation that would allow 18-year-olds to be appointed as a correctional officer or full-time deputy sheriff. 

“By lowering the age that an individual can become a full-time deputy sheriff, we’re creating more opportunities for interested individuals to learn and grow into this position,” said Gill. “They could gain over a year of practical experience during their probationary period, where they observe and assist in the everyday expectations of the position.”

Under the Gill-led Senate Bill 1700, the minimum age that an individual could be appointed as a correctional officer or full-time deputy sheriff in Cook County would be moved to 18 years old. These officers would be required to serve at least a 15-month probationary period and would not be allowed to carry a firearm or have the power to arrest someone until they are 21 years old. 

This legislation is an initiative of the Cook County Sheriff’s Merit Board in an attempt to allow police officers to have greater agency over their careers. A deputy sheriff only becomes eligible to serve as a county sheriff after working one year. With this legislation, deputy sheriffs would be eligible to become a county sheriff earlier in their lives, a step viewed as a promotion.

“Like all of us, people serving as sheriffs want to have flexibility in their careers,” said Gill. “With this legislation, we’re helping them achieve that goal. They’ll be able to seek promotions and move into positions that they want instead of having to wait extra years for no justifiable reason.”

This legislation passed out of the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee with bipartisan support, and it now moves to the floor for further consideration. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, is trying to protect consumer experiences by prohibiting streaming services and the companies that manage their advertisements from showing ads that are louder than the show that a viewer is watching.

“It can be very jarring to be in the middle of watching a show and then experience an ad that comes through the screen at a much louder volume than what you’ve set your controls to,” Gill said. “This isn’t fair to viewers at all.”

Senate Bill 3222 would require streaming services and third-party ad managers to take “reasonable care” to ensure that the audio of ads shown match the volume of the show. An already existing federal law sets this requirement for broadcast TV. Streaming services and ad management companies can follow these same guidelines to be in compliance. If passed, this law would take effect on July 1, 2027.

“This not only makes the viewing experience more stable and smoother for all audiences,” Gill said. “But it could help specific groups feel safer while watching shows. Older people won’t have to worry about being blasted with uncomfortably high audios or unexpected noise levels.”

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate and is awaiting further review in the House.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed a resolution to recognize August 26, 2026 as Hero Day to honor the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We are so grateful to our first responders who willingly went above and beyond serving and protecting their communities, and ultimately paid the greatest sacrifice with their own lives,” Gill said. “They deserve the highest tribute.”

House Resolution 649 names Hero Day in August and also honors the 100 Club of Illinois on its 60th anniversary. The 100 Club of Illinois provides training and support to the families of fallen first responders. The organization provides extraordinary support for over 300 families, and has contributed $17 million in emotional and financial support since its inception.

“We want to offer a special thanks to our first responders,” Gill said. “And we want to thank and acknowledge their families who have endured so much and send them comfort. We’re proud to have a day for our heroes. Rest in peace to any who are no longer with us.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, has advanced legislation to support students with color vision deficiency by providing schools with resources on color vision deficiency and requiring screenings before students enter kindergarten.

“Every student deserves to be in an environment where they can thrive,” said Gill. “But for many students with color vision deficiency, they aren’t given that opportunity. A lack of resources and understanding about the negative impact of undiagnosed color vision deficiency on students has led to many of them struggling in school. This legislation is focused on fixing that issue.”

House Bill 3408 will have the State Board of Education collaborate with the Illinois Department of Public Health to provide teachers with resources on how color vision deficiency can impact preschool and elementary school students’ literacy. Many educational resources rely upon colors as visual aids to help students, and when students are not able to process these cues, it can negatively impact their educational experience. The resources provided would help teachers recognize the symptoms of color vision deficiency, so they can better support their students throughout the learning process.

Gill’s legislation would also require that color vision deficiency screenings are performed during the eye exam all students must take prior to entering kindergarten. If students are diagnosed before school starts, it could help guarantee that students are receiving the most from their education from the very beginning.

“We want our students to succeed, and that means meeting them where they’re at and giving them the tools to succeed,” said Gill. “Students with color vision deficiency deserve to have the same opportunities to learn, and with this legislation we’re taking a needed step forward to help them thrive and grow.”

House Bill 3408 received bipartisan support, and it now moves to the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, released the following statement after Governor J.B. Pritzker’s annual budget address on Wednesday:

“I’m focused on passing a balanced and responsible state budget that understands the issues facing families in our community.

“Today is the beginning of a larger process, and I look forward to reviewing the governor’s proposal in detail. I’m particularly interested in seeing how we can strengthen investment for first responders, put more money toward our schools and expand access to health care for all ages.

“It’s critical that we take a balanced and fiscally-responsible approach that prioritizes the issues facing families, while ensuring we have the financial flexibility needed to tackle future challenges as they arise. We have to respect taxpayers.

“My community works hard, and they deserve a state budget that reflects their values and works hard for them. I’m looking forward to bringing our local voice to budget negotiations.”

CHICAGO – Moving into session this year, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, plans on championing legislation that will support and protect the lives of first responders, the Daniel Capuano Memorial Act. 

“Ten years ago, our community faced a tragedy when firefighter Daniel Capuano died in the line of duty,” said Gill. “His death could have been avoided, but a commercial property owner cut corners and put him in a dangerous situation. That should have never happened, and we cannot allow it to happen again; that’s why I’m fighting for the Daniel Capuano Memorial Act.”

The Daniel Capuano Memorial Act would create the offense of first responder endangerment. This offense would be committed anytime an individual creates a dangerous condition on their commercial property and intentionally conceals it, leading to a first responder being injured or killed. 

This legislation would help prevent first responders from being put in dangerous situations that could have been avoided. Commercial property owners will be held accountable, and they could face a felony if they fail to disclose information that their property is not up to code. The Act will ensure that first responders have the necessary information to respond to a crisis accordingly while ensuring their own safety. 

“Daniel Capuano’s legacy continues to live on,” said Gill. “Whether it’s through this act, or his son, who has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a firefighter. We have the opportunity to make a difference, here and now, by providing first responders with additional support, as they navigate dangerous situations. What happened to Daniel Capuano does not have to happen again, and that’s why I’m going to do everything I can to get this bill passed.”

For more information, please contact repmarygill@gmail.com. 

CHICAGO – State Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed key legislation to reduce home energy bills, providing both short and long-term relief to Illinois families as they faced rising energy costs. 

“Families across our state are worried every time they receive their energy bills, and that should never be the case,” said Gill. “The energy cost reduction that this Act provides will give families peace of mind. Starting immediately, families will receive relief on their home energy bills, and it will continue to provide long-term relief far into the future.”

Illinois families have faced rising energy costs as capacity costs continue to rise, and there is an increased demand from data centers. It is estimated that these power demands have resulted in $9.5 billion in increased energy costs. The Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA) was created to help counteract these rising energy costs. 

Beginning this year, utility customers in Northern Illinois will receive a monthly Carbon Mitigation Credit, which will reduce home energy costs by up to $11 every month. Alongside providing customer savings, the CRGA will include major innovations to generate and store energy, and bring down costs even further, including:

• • Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, ComEd customers can see immediate relief on monthly costs.
  • Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
  • Investing in energy efficiency programs: This law will directly expand energy efficiency programs for residents, lowering electricity prices by reducing overall demand.

The law is estimated to create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by the federal budget bill, which included 50,000 manufacturing jobs projected to be lost in Illinois. As the year progresses, CRGA will play a significant role in meeting the state’s energy needs, strengthening reliability and helping manage untenable costs for customers for both short- and long-term relief. 

“This relief package puts Illinois residents first,” said Gill. “It’s about putting money back into the pockets of the people. My colleagues and I will continue to fight to make Illinois affordable for all its residents, and today was just the beginning.”

CHICAGO – Buses and trains will be safer, more reliable and more efficiently managed under a major transit reform package law passed by state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago.

“A reliable, dependable transit system is critical to the health of our region,” said Gill. “For too long, our transit systems have been buckling under major challenges and poor fiscal management, but with these reforms we’re moving in a better direction. We’re developing a stronger transit system that will fold in current systems seamlessly while providing riders with reliable service that prioritizes their safety.”

Across our state, public transit takes people to work, takes people home, and connects people, businesses, and communities more than 400 million times every year. But that system has faced major challenges; fragmented governance, uneven investment and post-COVID ridership losses have left transit struggling with unreliable service, delayed trains, canceled routes, and a looming fiscal cliff that’s threatening to derail it all.

Gill worked to save and improve transit by passing Senate Bill 2111, a transformational package of reforms that brings Pace, CTA, and Metra together into one modern, efficient system. The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) is a major step toward a transit system that gets people where they need to go affordably, protects taxpayers and offers a better experience for riders and workers.

Gill’s reforms mean:

• More efficient administration: NITA will operate with new internal and independent auditors to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse in transit. It will be required to maintain a reserve fund to prevent future bailouts.
• Reliable, modern service: NITA will bring uniformity to fares and schedules to better meet the needs of riders—whether on buses or trains, whether in the city or the suburbs.
• A safer experience for riders and workers: A multijurisdictional law enforcement team will step up enforcement right away. NITA will deploy ambassadors across the system to assist people experiencing mental health crises, and a permanent office of safety will lead long-term planning to keep riders and workers safe.

Senate Bill 2111 was signed into law Tuesday.

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