Latest Updates:
State Rep. Rashid’s Bill to Regulate ChatGPT-type Software Passes House
BERWYN, Ill. – The Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation on March 22nd that will create a task force to study generative artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing software such as ChatGPT and Bard. HB 3563, which was introduced by state Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview), passed the House 109-0.
Benton Works to Waive Exam, License Fees for Military Members, Spouses
PLAINFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, is helping military families work in Illinois by passing a bipartisan bill to cut professional license fees for service members and their spouses.
Hernandez Advances Measure to Reform State’s Main Child Welfare Agency
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Responding to widespread recognition that Illinois’ child welfare system is under increased strain, state Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, passed new legislation clarifying the mission of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to place children in stable family arrangements.
Law Proposed By Benton Advocates for Shelter Animals and Veterans
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Returning service members would be united with shelter pets under a new bill recently passed by state Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield.
Stava-Murray Passes Bill to Promote Equity in Rent Payments
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tenants would have more payment options under a bill passed last week by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, prohibiting landlords from requiring electronic payment.
Canty-Led Bill to Expand Access to Full-Day Kindergarten Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Schools across Illinois would offer full-day kindergarten within the next four years thanks to a bill passed by state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights.
Manley-Led Bill to Support Hospice Care Centers Passed by House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospice facilities across Illinois will be able to expand the amount of beds and care they provide thanks to a bill passed by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet.
Ford to Visit Stateville Correctional Center Sunday, Continue Push to Restore Voting Rights for Incarcerated
CREST HILL, Ill. – As part of continued efforts to reinstate incarcerated individuals’ right to vote, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join advocates this Sunday, March 26 at 10 a.m. for a press conference and tour at the Stateville Correctional Center, located at 16830-IL 53 in Crest Hill.
Stuart Passes Bill Expanding Ability of Hygienists to Provide Dental Care to Underserved Illinoisans
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, passed a bill Wednesday that would allow qualified dental hygienists to provide dental care to more uninsured or lower- income Illinoisans.
LaPointe Joins Supportive Housing Providers Association in Fight to End Homelessness
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With pandemic-era executive orders expiring, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is teaming up with the Supportive Housing Providers Association (SHPA) to pass legislation that will enshrine the state’s Interagency Task Force on Homelessness and Community Advisory Council on Homelessness, as well as create an Office to Prevent and End Homelessness.
Ford to Host Town Hall Monday, Join Experts to Discuss Future of Psychedelic Therapy in Illinois
CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will lead a town hall panel with experts to discuss the future of psychedelic therapy and his efforts to decriminalize the possession of psilocybin this Monday, March 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the campus of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Hernandez Bill Promoting Better Enforcement of Water Sanitation Regulations Passes House
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Norma Hernandez, D-Melrose Park, is prioritizing green policy and efficient government by passing legislation to allow emailed cease-and-desist notices to polluters.
Stuart Passes Bill to Expand Access to Community College Programs
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Students interested in community college programs not available at their local community college would be able to attend that program at another community college where that program is available, under a bill just passed by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville.
Scherer-Backed Bill Would Create Multi-Year Hunting and Fishing Licenses
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Building on recent efforts to encourage hunting and fishing in Illinois, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, supported legislation that will cut costs and red tape for outdoorsmen across the state.
Kifowit and Huynh to Honor Vietnam Veterans
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representatives Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, and Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago, are inviting Vietnam War Veterans to come and be recognized in the gallery of the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 29th by House Resolution 104.
Hernandez Introduces Legislation to Further Strengthen DREAM Fund for Dreamers in Illinois
CICERO, Ill. — Illinois residents sending money to family overseas will also be able to help Dreamers afford a college education in Illinois under legislation introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero.
Stava-Murray Passes Bill Prohibiting Library Book Banning
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Local politicians would be prevented from banning books in public libraries under a new bill passed by state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, D-Downers Grove, which empowers librarians and prevents book banning.
Yednock Announces Grant Awards for Local Park and Recreation Projects
OTTAWA, Ill. — Underscoring the importance of parks and outdoor recreation, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is celebrating hundreds of thousands of dollars in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants awarded to the DeKalb Park District and the Cities of Ottawa and Marseilles.