SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, helped pass new reforms to strengthen statewide oversight of hemp products, improve consumer safety, and support equity in Illinois’s growing cannabis and hemp industries, which were codified into law today.

“It is time we protect Illinoisans from unsafe cannabis business practices, especially young people who shouldn’t have access to these items in the first place, and create equitable, thoughtful regulatory policies for hemp and cannabis distribution,” said Hernandez. “As part of the Cannabis Working Group in Springfield, I’m proud of my colleagues and I for passing legislation that protects consumers and creates pathways for the cannabis businesses to flourish in our state.”

Senate Bill 3222 creates new statewide policies for cannabis and hemp products, including licensing requirements, safety standards, testing, labeling and enforcement enhancements. This measure strengthens regulation, improves consumer protections and ensures hemp and cannabis products are sold safely and legally across Illinois. This legislation also creates a more transparent and accountable marketplace that supports equitable participation in the industry.

The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker today.

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — State Rep. Anne Stava, D- Downers Grove, held a hugely successful Book Drive on Tuesday, ultimately collecting over 2,500 books for area nonprofits during what was to be a four-hour event, but which had to be shortened due to the unexpectedly enthusiastic response.

“When a community comes together to give the gift of learning and personal enrichment to their neighbors, it’s really special,” Stava said. “The response from our community has been amazing. We couldn’t have imagined such an outpouring of kindness and generosity.”

Stava and her staff organized the drive to benefit area nonprofits, some of which donate books to schools and local libraries, or sell them to fund charitable programs. The event was scheduled to be held at Stava’s constituent service office in Downers Grove from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, but had to be ended at 1 p.m.

By 10:15 a.m., at least 100 books had been donated. By 11 a.m., that number was 300. By noon, 700. By 12:30, over a thousand books had been dropped off. So many books were donated by 1 p.m. that the event had to end an hour early, and the door to the office could not be closed due to the volume of books.

“We asked our neighbors for books, and they responded. In fact, they stuffed our office literally to overflowing!” Stava said. “My staff and I were stepping over and between boxes of books to get around the office—which is a wonderful ‘problem’ to have. Thank you to the community for helping us help others.”

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. —  State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, is hosting a Summer Reading Challenge open to all students grades kindergarten through eighth across the 91st district, running from Monday, June 15, through Monday, Aug. 17. 

“I want to invite all children in our community to participate in my Summer Reading Challenge, and win some awesome prizes,” said Chung. “If you need some suggestions, my kids and I really loved the Mindy Kim series. As Korean Americans, we love to find media that represents us.”

Participants who read ten books by the deadline will receive a $10 gift card to Carl’s Ice Cream, one pass to Miller Park Zoo and a signed certificate from Representative Chung. The program is open to all students in the 91st district from kindergarten to eighth grade.

“Reading is so important to our development as students and as people. We learn important lessons and morals from books, and despite being in a digital age, we need to keep encouraging our kids to read,” said Chung. “Enjoy your summer, but keep your brains stimulated with this fun challenge. Happy reading!”

Students can register to participate here, or pick up a physical application at Chung’s district office, located at 216 N. Center St. in Bloomington.

As a reminder, Chung’s district office serves her constituents seeking assistance in any state government-related case, unemployment, FOID cards, state licenses and more.

Romeo Crossing is the only lighted miracle field in Illinois

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined Romeoville Mayor John Noak for the grand opening of the Romeo Crossing Community Park, which includes a fully-accessible “Miracle Field.” It is the only lit miracle field in Illinois.

They were joined by Joliet Junior College President Dr. Clyne Namuo, and representatives of the offices of state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avalar, D-Romeoville, and state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, D-Shorewood, at the ribbon cutting and park party Tuesday.

Rep. Manley secured over $300,000 funding for this new park, which will include a lighted field designed to ensure that individuals who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices can fully participate in recreational activities.

“This baseball field truly is a miracle, particularly for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices,” Rep. Manley said. “Giving people – especially children, the chance to cruise the baselines like everyone else is what this new park is all about. I was honored to help make that happen.”

The adaptive sports field also contains a soccer field and a challenge fitness course, with a wide array of climbing obstacles. The playground has several slides and swings, including a wheelchair-accessible swing. The park is next to the sledding hill, and Wiggly Field dog park, which opened in 2024. There is a picnic pavilion and restrooms.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the public joined the fun with an inflatable, DJ music and free hot dogs.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement following reports of a Collinsville teenager being detained by Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents earlier this week.

“Like many in our community, I am shocked and angered by reports of a local teenager being taken by ICE agents. I have been in contact with the governor and attorney general’s offices, as well as our federal officials who are assisting the family.

“As a mom, I can only begin to imagine the horror this family is experiencing. As a community member, I am horrified by the tragedies we’ve seen involving ICE detainments in the Metro East.

“Regardless of our politics, none of us voted to have children abducted off our streets by agents who have repeatedly shown that they will not be bound by law or by basic decency. There are ways we can stay involved and ensure our voices are heard, though that may feel like an uphill battle.”

Stuart and her office will continue to monitor this case, and aid the family and federal officials as much as possible.

If you see ICE activity anywhere in Illinois, file a report to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights hotline at 855-435-7693.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – An effort led by state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, to expand Sami’s Law and ensure future public buildings have accommodations in handicap stalls for Illinois children and adults with disabilities, is now headed to Gov. JB Pritzker for final approval.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to make this law even more inclusive for all Illinoisans who have disabilities,” said Briel. “No family or child should submit to dirty bathroom floors or car backseats as the best option to change their family member or loved one living with mobility obstacles. This extension effectively ensures handicap stalls have accommodations to truly assist everyone in the disability community.”

Sami’s Law was originally signed in 2024, requiring any interstate highway rest stop to include an adult-sized changing table within a handicap stall. Briel’s House Bill 4379 serves as an extension ensuring more ADA-compliant restroom stalls include a changing station for individuals with disabilities weighing over 50 pounds.

Specifically, the measure will require large, public building developments constructed after Jan. 1, 2029, and which exceed 40,000 square feet or more with a capacity of over 1,500, to include an adult changing station in a bathroom stall. By expanding requirements to include most large public buildings, more Illinois children and adults with severe mobility issues or other disabilities can comfortably and privately use these facilities, while also giving caregivers assurance their loved one has adequate accommodations.

“I’m pleased to see this extension at the final step. I have to thank my community, and Courtney and Theo, for their unwavering dedication to seeing this issue through the finish line. It’s bills like this one that truly make a mark in the lives of residents, and I couldn’t be prouder of the inclusiveness and accessibility this will bring to the disability community,” said Briel.

House Bill 4379 passed with bipartisan support through both House and Senate chambers.

BERWYN, Ill. — Today, Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) announced that he secured more than $1 million in capital funding for the replacement of lead water lines in his district. The funding will go to the city of Berwyn and the villages of Riverside, La Grange Park, Brookfield, and Summit.

“Access to clean drinking water should not be determined by your zip code,” said Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid. ”Too many of our residents, especially our children, are still getting exposed to lead from their home’s taps. It shouldn’t be left to residents and towns to shoulder the enormous financial burden of replacing decades of lead water pipes. That’s why I’ll continue to fight for critical state and federal funding to upgrade our infrastructure and keep our communities safe.”

Lead exposure poses serious health risks even at low levels, and no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe. Children are especially vulnerable: exposure can cause irreversible harm to brain development, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems. In adults, lead exposure is linked to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive health issues. Because lead from aging service lines can leach into tap water invisibly, with no taste, smell, or color, many families have no way of knowing they’re being exposed. Replacing these lines is the only permanent solution to eliminating this hazard at its source.

The Chicagoland area has the highest concentration of lead water service lines in the country, making removal of them a top concern to residents.

“Protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land our children play on is one of my top priorities,” added Rep. Rashid. “Every family in every community deserves a safe and healthy environment, and I’ll keep fighting to make that a reality.”

This investment builds on the more than $3 million in state funds secured by Rep. Rashid in recent years for villages, schools, parks, and social service providers in the district. Additionally, Rep. Rashid successfully advocated for $43 million in federal funding for the 65th & Harlem Avenue rail project that will create an overpass, reducing traffic and improving public safety.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Wrapping up her second spring legislative session, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is highlighting a slew of bills championed through House and Senate chambers that now await governor consideration before being signed into law.

“This year was one focused on ensuring our community members have the support they need to live safely and happily without the constant stress of bills and strapped budgets. I was proud to support a series of cost-cutting focused measures this year, while targeting our most vulnerable communities, especially our disability community, to build up robust inclusiveness and accessibility,” said Briel. “The work done this year is owed to the amazing community I represent—things I hear when I’m knocking doors, when I’m engaging with advocates and, ultimately, tangible ideas that will now bring positive change or direct relief to Illinois families in our neighborhoods.” 

Briel wrapped up the 2026 spring legislative session by leading the following measures now on the governor’s desk for approval:

• • House Bill 4379 enhances Sami’s Law to expand restroom accommodations in ADA-compliant stalls for Illinois children and adults with severe mobility obstacles or other disabilities. 
  • House Bill 4461 protects Illinois homeowners and landowners from medical debt by barring hospital networks from taking aggressive collection actions on primary residences. 

• • Senate Bill 1327 strengthens long-term disability insurance transparency on coverage limits regarding mental healthcare and substance use treatment. 

• • Senate Bill 2761 improves safety and support for young students with service animals by requiring teachers and school faculty receive instruction on service animals during annual training.

Additionally, Briel concluded the spring’s legislative session by supporting a handful of affordability-focused measures that strengthen consumer protection, support senior savings programs, and hold big businesses accountable for hidden schemes and junk fees that raise prices on everyday goods from groceries to delivery services. 

For more information, please email contact@staterepbriel.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – On the heels of last week’s legislative session adjournment, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, is highlighting a series of bills passing both chambers, landing on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk for consideration to be signed into law. 

“I’m thrilled to see several measures at the very final steps of being signed into law. This spring I prioritized real issues that real people are facing—working to ensure our seniors and aging adults are protected from unlicensed care, supporting our residents with disabilities through enhanced programs, helping families with children with disabilities save for the future, and so much more to strengthen our neighborhoods and community at-large,” said Ness. “There’s more work to do, and I look forward to being back up north, engaging with community members and paving a path for greater change.” 

Ness wrapped up the 2026 spring legislative session by leading the following measures now on the governor’s desk for approval:

• • House Bill 4620 connects young families who have children with disabilities to cost-saving programs, specifically ABLE accounts, as soon as a patient receives a diagnosis; helping plan and save for school, housing and other expenses, as well as earn social security and tax benefits. 

• • House Bill 4612 protects seniors from predatory care by requiring assisted living homes refer residents only to licensed providers and disclose risks of unlicensed care.

• • House Bill 4829 cuts government waste and streamlines Illinois EPA’s authority by removing outdated mandates and a former advisory committee to address new audit findings.

• • Senate Bill 3434 strengthens support for Illinoisans with disabilities by establishing community day services (CDS) to provide social skill-building and encourage residents’ independence in local, public settings.

The above bills passed with bipartisan approval from both House and Senate chambers.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is sending legislation to the governor’s desk creating new guardrails against financial fraud and physical abuse, commonly experienced in tandem by seniors.

“Essentially what we’re doing here is establishing two steps to report potential fraud and abuse for financial employees: one route for them to protect financial assets and another to confirm the wellbeing of their client,” said Stuart. “Allowing a more comprehensive investigation of potential fraud and physical abuse will make sure accounts are protected, and more importantly that clients are safe.”

House Bill 4911 creates a handful of new safety nets against financial fraud and physical abuse, which are often paired when targeting seniors, allowing financial employees to step in when they notice suspicious and potentially fraudulent behavior.

This legislation was developed with the Illinois Department on Aging, who will develop a new web portal to report suspected financial abuse as part of this measure. While this legislation was designed with seniors in mind, these extra precautions will apply to all suspicious and potentially fraudulent transactions.

“I’m grateful to the Department on Aging and other advocates for their collaboration and support on this really impactful bill, saving seniors money and potentially their lives,” said Stuart. “This is a no nonsense bill crafted to prevent or stop senior financial fraud and abuse. I look forward to the support this bill will bring when signed into law.”

House Bill 4911 passed unanimously in the Senate and with partisan support in the House. Now, the measure is headed to Governor Pritzker’s desk for consideration and to be signed into law.