SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is cracking down on deceptive practices and ensuring that policyholders have the final say when it comes to what they pay for auto repairs—not repair shops.

“Drivers should be informed and aware of the cost of a repair at every step of the process, not surprised by a final bill at the end,” said Jones. “Right now, there is little to stop an auto repair shop from inflating the cost of a repair and leaving the policyholder stuck with the bill when the insurance company reviews and rightfully refuses to pay questionable charges.”

Jones’ House Bill 4373 empowers auto insurance policyholders and holds auto repair shops accountable by prohibiting drivers from signing over control of their insurance claims to a repair shop. Currently, some shops enter into benefit transfer agreements with policyholders that allow them to handle claims on the customer’s behalf. While repair shops may claim this provides peace of mind, it can create problems if an insurer does not fully cover the bill.

Under Jones’ bill, these agreements would be prohibited, and a customer’s right to choose their own auto repair shop would be reinforced.

“Dealing with insurance companies can be a hassle, but these benefit transfer agreements can create even more headaches when a customer is unexpectedly forced to shoulder the cost of a repair,” said Jones. “As chairman of the House Insurance Committee, I will continue prioritizing legislation that makes insurance more affordable and effective at meeting the needs of those who pay monthly premiums for coverage.”

House Bill 4373 recently passed the Illinois House with unanimous bipartisan support and now awaits committee assignment in the Illinois Senate.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is taking steps to cut home and auto insurance costs through a bill that ensures Illinois customers are not paying to pad the profits of big corporations or cover corporate losses in high-risk states like Florida or Texas.

“It is unfair that, while Illinoisans are forced to overcome the challenges of an affordability crisis, policyholders in Illinois are expected to cover the financial risk of doing business in high-risk states,” said Jones. “No one should have to endure excessive premiums so companies can report record profits and make life even tougher for everyday people who already struggling to get by.”

Homeowners across Illinois have seen insurance plans rise by nearly 30% in the last year, raising concerns that Illinois residents are footing the bill for other states at high risk of natural disasters. In an effort to reduce costs for Illinois customers, Jones passed Senate Bill 1486, which takes several steps to rein in rising insurance costs by:

• Empowering IDOI to reject unfair rate increases by subjecting all Illinois homeowners insurance, fire insurance and auto insurance policies to a comprehensive rate review process.
• Requiring insurance companies give customers 60 days’ notice before double-digit rate increases, giving customers more time to make informed decisions.
• Shrinking auto insurance premiums for drivers over the age of 55 who complete a 4-hour defensive driving program or e-learning course.

“As chairman of the House Insurance Committee, I am prioritizing reforms and legislation that cut costs and make coverage more accessible,” said Jones. “Costs are rising faster than paychecks, and it’s up to us to provide real relief for our working families.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — At the end of Wednesday’s State of the State address, state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-South Holland, outlined what he wants this year’s budget to accomplish for working families in the South Suburbs in the following statement:

“While we cannot change the fact that our families must contend with a belligerent Washington  that serves special interests instead of everyday Americans, we can build a state budget that insulates them from some of its worst tendencies.

“That looks like allocating millions of dollars to continue funding food assistance programs while Washington let SNAP lapse late last year. That looks like passing a permanent child tax credit and increasing funding for child care assistance while Washington tries to rip it away.

“Those are just a few steps we’ve taken to stem Washington’s most destructive impulses, but there’s still more to do. In the coming months, I will work with my colleagues from the diverse regions of our great state to once again craft a balanced, fiscally and socially responsible budget that addresses the needs of working families.

“Illinois Democrats are resolute in our commitment to confront the affordability crisis by lowering the cost of health care, education and other essential items. We know that when communities thrive instead of merely survive, we uplift everyone. The work is just getting started, and we’re committed to getting it done on behalf of Illinois families.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, championed legislation aimed at promoting transparency when state payments are reduced in order to pay debts owed to municipalities or public agencies. 

“On several occasions, we’ve seen financial disputes between cities go unresolved because both parties cannot reach an agreement for various reasons — including the fact that one may be part of a larger county government while the other is not,” Jones said. “We want both parties to walk away satisfied, and this legislation establishes clear expectations for how these issues should be addressed.”

Senate Bill 90 requires that deductions for debts owed to other public entities that are part of intergovernmental agreements be clearly stated on warrants of payment—ensuring greater transparency when it comes to someone who owes money to a public agency being able to see what deductions were for. Under this law, if a person is set to receive a payment from the State of Illinois but also owes money to a city, or other public agency that is part of an intergovernmental agreement, the State Comptroller must identify the amount owed and deduct it from the state payment. Additionally, the bill requires that any request for this kind of deduction must include either a written agreement between the two parties or a court order, guaranteeing that deductions are made fairly and with proper documentation.

The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

“The goal is for municipalities across the state to address issues with one another in a clear and productive manner,” Jones said. “We will continue advancing legislation that promotes collaboration and transparency among cities, because doing so will lead to a stronger, more sustainable Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, cracked down on human traffickers on Illinois roadways by empowering the Illinois State Police (ISP) to tap into automated tollway cameras to capture and shut down human trafficking operations.

“When a vulnerable individual is taken from their home, gas station or grocery store, we need to be doing everything in our power to bring them home; this legislation ensures we can do just that, “Jones said. “;Every year, hundreds of young kids are victims of human and sex trafficking, with Illinois being a hotspot. If we are to give families an opportunity to see their family members again, we need to pass this legislation.”

Jones passed House Bill 3339 which allows law enforcement to use images captured by state- operated cameras and those operated by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority when conducting investigations into human trafficking and forcible servitude.

The legislation specifically prohibits these images from being subject to FOIA.

House Bill 3339 passed both Houses and awaits final consideration by the governor.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, passed Senate Bill 1418 out of the House on Thursday, legislation expanding coverage for lifesaving screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition impacting 21 million Americans annually and disproportionately Black and Hispanic populations.

“Addressing our state’s chronic health inequities means fighting not only the big battles against out-of-control premiums and diminishing coverage, but the incremental ones, too. Ensuring Black and Hispanic Americans receive early, accurate screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease is one step we can take to lower the rates of hospitalizations – and ultimately, amputations – for our at-risk neighbors. I am proud to join Senator Napoleon Harris on this important issue. Our communities pay too high a cost for their health insurance to not receive the very coverage that will help them lead long, healthy lives.”

The Jones-backed Senate Bill 1418 would require new and renewing health coverage plans to include annual Peripheral Artery Disease screenings for at-risk individuals.

“The Illinois chapter of the American College of Cardiology wishes to thank Chairman Jones for his leadership and advocacy of this vital legislation,” said Dr. Benjamin Freed, Governor of the Illinois ACC Chapter.

“Early detection of PAD can be life-saving and limb-saving,” said Dr. Anthony Fletcher, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists. “By ensuring insurance coverage for these critical screenings, Illinois is taking a bold step toward reducing health disparities and preventing thousands of unnecessary amputations. This legislation aligns perfectly with ABC’s ongoing mission to eliminate cardiovascular disparities in all people of color.”

“This bill represents a crucial turning point in our fight against the amputation epidemic that has disproportionately affected Black and underserved communities for far too long,” said Dr. Foluso Fakorede, a nationally recognized PAD advocate and member of the ABC. “Increasing access to early PAD screening will help identify this deadly disease before it progresses to limb loss, saving not only limbs but lives. I’ve seen firsthand how early intervention can dramatically change outcomes, and this legislation is a model that should be replicated nationwide.”

Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) occurs when there is a severe blockage in the blood vessels flowing to and from the arms and legs. This is most commonly caused by a build up of plaque along the inside of the arteries. Typical P.A.D. cases lead to chronic numbness, developing sores, or muscle atrophy. In severe cases, this decreased blood flow can cause tissue death, leading to the amputation of the limbs. These P.A.D.-related amputations account for 85% of all amputation cases yearly. With earlier, covered screening, these amputations can be prevented.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. Additionally, African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with P.A.D. as their white counterparts.

The bill now heads to the governor for final consideration.

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, passed several critical measures and a balanced state budget as he concluded a productive spring legislative session.

“My community’s families are tired of hearing about new tariffs, rising tensions with our trading partners and a federal government more concerned with talk, and less with solving the problems we all face. When Washington took a step back, I made sure to take us forward.

“Our most recent budget is balanced, fiscally-responsible and compassionate: all of which Washington is not. We uncovered and redirected $193 million in non-essential spending, ensuring greater health coverage for low-income families, fully-funded classrooms for our students and vital state support home healthcare organizations.”

Jones wrapped up the legislative session having passed critical reforms, including requiring health plans cover peripheral artery disease screenings (Senate Bill 1418), making it easier for uninsured Illinoisans to sign up for affordable health coverage (House Bill 3756) and empowering law enforcement to use automatic license plate readers to track down and capture human traffickers (House Bill 3339).

“While families cannot rely on Washington to uphold their commitments to Medicaid and other supportive programs, they can rely on us to step to the plate when times get tough. Our latest budget proves that. As I return to my community, I know that our work is only just beginning. The road ahead is rough, but I am confident that we can create a state the next generation deserves.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, backed the Clean Slate Act on Friday, creating an automatic sealing process for certain qualifying, formerly-incarcerated individuals.

;For formerly-incarcerated individuals, it’s all too common that their time in a correctional facility continues to be a barrier to employment, housing and certain services – even if they have lived an upstanding life by every other measure,” Jones said. “By automatically sealing records of certain offenses, we can open up more economic opportunities for these individuals, truly giving them the second chance they were owed when they completed their term of incarceration. When businesses – and certainly those formerly incarcerated – are struggling to fill vacancies and make ends meet, we need to be opening up opportunities, not closing them off.”

The Jones-backed Senate Bill 1784 transitions the sealing of certain criminal and petty offense records to an automated process, away from one in which each former offender needs to file a petition.

Records eligible for automated sealing vary on offense. The legislation applies solely to sealing records, not expunging them. This allows law enforcement and prosecutors to access records, if necessary, in the future.

Offenses that are excluded from ISP’s automated sealing include, but are not limited to: sex offenses, crimes of bodily harm and murder and those involving no contact orders. Furthermore, those currently serving a sentence, on probation or have pending charges are ineligible for automated sealing.

The bipartisan Senate Bill 1784 now returns to the Senate for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is expanding access to healthcare for people coping with economic uncertainty by passing legislation creating special
enrollment opportunities in Illinois' healthcare marketplace.

“Now more than ever, as families face rising costs and a volatile economic future, we need to do everything we can to make sure no one is denied care,” Jones said. “My legislation will make
sure that we are opening up more opportunities for uninsured Illinoisans to get covered, because communities are not their healthiest if preventable conditions for the most vulnerable are not
addressed. This expanded enrollment opportunity will also help make sure their dependents get to the checkups, screenings and other services they've had to delay due to that lack of coverage.”

Jones’ House Bill 3756 creates a special enrollment period for Illinois' state-based health insurance marketplace for purchasing private, commercial health insurance. The enrollment period would be open to interested and uninsured taxpayers requesting health insurance benefit information about estimated eligibility for insurance affordability programs including Medicaid, health insurance premium credits, and other cost-sharing reductions. Jones’ legislation allows notified taxpayers to choose a health plan within 60 days, with chosen coverage applying the first of the month following the selection of a health plan.

Jones’ House Bill 3756 passed unanimously out of the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is expanding access to healthcare for people coping with economic uncertainty by passing legislation creating special
enrollment opportunities in Illinois’ healthcare marketplace.

“Now more than ever, as families face rising costs and a volatile economic future, we need to do everything we can to make sure no one is denied care,” Jones said. “My legislation will make sure that we are opening up more opportunities for uninsured Illinoisans to get covered, because communities are not their healthiest if preventable conditions for the most vulnerable are not addressed. This expanded enrollment opportunity will also help make sure their dependents get to the checkups, screenings and other services they’ve had to delay due to that lack of coverage.”

Jones’ House Bill 3756 creates a special enrollment period for Illinois’ state-based health insurance marketplace for purchasing private, commercial health insurance. The enrollment period would be open to interested and uninsured taxpayers requesting health insurance benefit information about estimated eligibility for insurance affordability programs including Medicaid, health insurance premium credits, and other cost-sharing reductions. Jones’ legislation allows notified taxpayers to choose a health plan within 60 days, with chosen coverage applying the first of the month following the selection of a health plan.

Jones’ House Bill 3756 passed unanimously out of the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.