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.

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. — Working to improve interactions between law enforcement and Illinois drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, successfully passed a bill through both chambers establishing the Blue Envelope Program in Illinois.

“This bill is a significant step forward for the neurodivergent community—and a rare but fantastic example of policy that accepts autism and its differences, not assimilates it,” said Briel. “When an officer approaches you as a neurodivergent individual, it’s true that the outcome is not always perfect—the Blue Envelope Program changes that. This program alleviates many neurodivergent people’s fears and helps law enforcement effectively interact with someone on the spectrum.”

Briel was integral to passing House Bill 4472, which creates the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with the Secretary of State’s office. Those diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum may use the envelopes to hold documents required to operate a motor vehicle. With all necessary information in one location, individuals can locate documents easily in potentially high stress situations.

This measure will help both first responders and drivers in the neurodivergent community feel safe and prepared in their interactions. Additionally, first responders will be able to identify and aid neurodivergent individuals by their blue envelope and work to anticipate any communication barriers during law enforcement interactions.

The program is voluntary—neurodivergent individuals are not required to participate in this program, but the resources must be available at various locations operated by the Secretary of State.

“By opening this opportunity for neurodivergent drivers, individuals on the spectrum can count on a safe and confidential plan whenever they are at a traffic stop or other emergency situation,” said Briel. “I’m super pleased we’re at the last step to getting this signed into the books.”

Briel’s measure is on the governor’s desk for consideration to be signed into law.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to restore affordability for Illinois households, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is advancing a series of bills to the governor’s desk cutting costs on everyday purchases and utilities, banning gimmicks that raise prices, and requiring businesses fairly compensate consumers.

“Too many families are worried sick about how they will stretch their next paycheck. While our own president has voiced he no longer considers our financial worries as he funds a war overseas, that sentiment simply doesn’t fly here. In Illinois, we deliver, we don’t cower. That’s exactly what I’ll continue to fight for—tangible change that supports and delivers relief for the working families who keep our state moving,” said Briel.

While federal policies and international instability are making everything more expensive, Briel is taking charge of what Illinois can control, and championing policy to provide some immediate relief.

Briel worked to pass the following cost-cutting measures:

• House Bill 45: Expands access to savings by requiring retailers to honor all advertised sales or coupons, even if customers cannot access an app or operate digital coupons.
• House Bill 228: Cracks down on junk fees and hidden costs by requiring businesses disclose all mandatory fees and charges added on top of an advertised purchase price.
• House Bill 4044: Strengthens consumer rights by banning no-return policies that limit customers to store credit for unused, unopened items for most purchases.
• House Bill 4514: Allows residents to voice opposition to general rate increases by requiring public utility companies fully inform residents of their rights prior to a rate proposal.

All four measures successfully advanced through House and Senate chambers. They await governor consideration before being signed into law.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is advancing a bill to thegovernor’s desk for consideration ensuring patients’ primary residence and property cannot be used in legal action by hospitals seeking to recover unpaid medical debt.

“This bill comes at a consequential time when too many families are struggling to afford basic essentials. Healthcare costs shouldn’t be the deciding factor between a roof over a family’s head or that week’s groceries,” said Briel.

Medical debt remains one of the leading causes of bankruptcy nationwide, according to the National Library of Medicine, with nearly half of U.S. adults finding it difficult to afford healthcare. Briel’s House Bill 4461 takes an important step to protect patient homes and property by changing the law to disqualify any Illinois hospital from pursuing liens on a patient’s primary residence during legal action should the patient have accrued medical debt.

The initiative is driven by local constituents affected by aggressive collection actions, including liens being placed on homes for medical debts as low as $2,000.

“More likely than not, you either know someone in medical debt or you’ve experienced it yourself. Illinoisans shouldn’t worry about losing their homes due to unpaid medical bills. Landowners have rights—this bill protects them," said Briel.

House Bill 4461 passed out of both chambers and awaits the governor’s signature.

OTTAWA, Ill.— State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais dismantling a critical provision in the federal Voting Rights Act that ensures communities of color have equal representation:

“The justice’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais is not only consequential to true democracy in future elections, it fundamentally removes decades—if not a century—of progress Americans have fought for since the installation of the 15th Amendment, the 19th Amendment to the challenges and tribulations overcome in the Civil Rights Era.

“With this move the Supreme Court has essentially removed the last check on extremists who want to silence communities of color, and has opened the door for antiquated-minded and often extremist-aligned states to now split majority-minority districts to sweep out voices that have contributed and led this nation to progress, inclusion and the true meaning of freedom in the 20th and 21st centuries.

“This is a terrifying result because it signals that the court won’t stop there—and with every check undone, more and more of our freedoms stand to be at risk. That’s why I worked alongside our caucus last week to vote and enshrine critical protections to our voting rights in the Illinois State Constitution—effectively ensuring that no Illinoisan is denied an equal opportunity to participate in our political process. Illinois will not side with an antebellum ill-inspired administration—we’ll continue fighting to protect everyone’s right to be heard.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to protect homeowners from medical debt, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is advancing a bill ensuring patients’ primary residence and property cannot be used in legal action by hospitals seeking to recover unpaid medical debt.

“More likely than not, you either know someone in medical debt or you’ve experienced it yourself. It’s become an all too common burden for residents not only in rural communities like mine, but across the board, affecting families from suburban neighborhoods to urban areas,” said Briel. “This is only getting worse as big hospital networks swallow smaller providers, making even a yearly check-up burdensome for a lot of folks. A step like this is absolutely needed to ensure patients aren’t kicked out of their homes due to untenable healthcare costs.”

Medical debt remains one of the leading causes of bankruptcy nationwide, according to the National Library of Medicine, with nearly half of U.S. adults finding it difficult to afford healthcare. Briel’s House Bill 4461 takes an important step to protect patient homes and property by changing the law to disqualify any Illinois hospital from pursuing liens on a patient’s primary residence during legal action should the patient have accrued medical debt. 

The initiative is driven by local constituents affected by aggressive collection actions, including liens being placed on homes for medical debts as low as $2,000. 

“This bill comes at a consequential time where way too many families are struggling to afford basic essentials. Healthcare costs shouldn’t be the deciding factor between a roof over a family’s head or that week’s groceries,” said Briel.  

House Bill 4461 passed off the House floor and awaits Senate consideration.

OTTAWA, Ill. —State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is highlighting National Financial Literacy Month at an upcoming Council of Wise Elders, a senior advisory council, which will meet and discuss ways to save during tax season on Monday, April 20 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Briel’s Ottawa district office and virtually.

“This is a low-key, accessible way for neighbors to stay proactive in our communities, connect with other residents, and educate ourselves on resources and tools necessary for this year’s tax season—absolutely fitting as April marks National Financial Literacy Month,” said Briel. “This senior-focused council is open to any older adult across northern Illinois. If you’re interested in connecting with the community and learning more about tools to help make this tax season easier, I invite you to join us online or in person!”

The council meeting will be held at Briel’s district office located at 628 Columbus St., Suite 408, in Ottawa, and virtually, through this link. Anyone over the age of 60 is encouraged to join; the council is not limited to Bureau, DeKalb and LaSalle counties. For more information, you can call or text Briel’s district office at 815-587-7912, or reach out to contact@staterepbriel.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is making interactions between law enforcement and individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder safer and easier by sponsoring a bill to bring the Blue Envelope Program to Illinois.

“This is something extremely important for the neurodivergent community,” said Briel. “When an officer approaches you as a neurodivergent individual, it’s true that the outcome is not always perfect. I’ve been asked to personally perform field sobriety tests completely sober, simply due to how I naturally communicate and interact—but we can change that. This program is a way that can alleviate many neurodivergent people’s fears and help law enforcement understand the best approaches to effectively interacting with someone on the spectrum.”

Briel passed House Bill 4472, creating the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with the Secretary of State’s office. Those diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum can use the envelopes to hold documents required to operate a motor vehicle. With all necessary information in one location, individuals can locate documents easily in potentially high stress situations.

This measure will help both first responders and anyone in the neurodivergent community feel safe and prepared in their interactions. Additionally, first responders will be able to identify and aid neurodivergent individuals by their blue envelope and work to anticipate any communication barriers during law enforcement interactions.

The program is voluntary—individuals with neurodivergency or autism are not required to participate in this program, but the resources must be available at various locations operated by the Secretary of State.

“This is a bill that absolutely represents the autistic and neurodivergent community,” said Briel. “By opening this opportunity for neurodivergent drivers, individuals on the spectrum can count on a safe and confidential plan whenever they are at a traffic stop or other emergency situation.”

House Bill 4472 passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate for a vote.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to maintain safe health outcomes for Illinoisans seeking emergency hospital services, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is advancing a bill that will limit the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to determine a patient’s priority in a hospital emergency room. 

“It’s our duty as lawmakers to get ahead of the possible harms that stem from technology like AI. Yes, we want our healthcare systems to evolve with today’s modern offerings, but not at the expense of a patient’s treatment. Patients should be assured that they’re being assessed by real doctors and nurses especially in settings like the emergency room where every second counts,” said Briel. 

Briel’s House Bill 4233 limits hospital emergency departments from using “health care kiosks”—digital check-ins used to determine a patient’s medical state to determine their place in line for emergency treatment. Due to little to no human verification with this technology, health care kiosks pose significant risks in misdiagnosing or misinterpreting the patient’s level of emergency leading to further sickness, injury, treatment complications or even preventable deaths. 

Briel’s initiative was influenced by OSF Healthcare’s public plans to integrate AI to predict patient diagnoses and treatments through “advanced analytic systems.” House Bill 4233 ensures a patient’s intake priority is reviewed and assessed by medical professionals, and specifies that health care kiosks may only be used to identify patient contact information and to replace paper billing to ease administrative burden. 

“High-quality care requires advanced training and a very human skillset that can’t be simply replaced,” said Briel. “This bill keeps patients protected, doctors and nurses best informed, and maintains the transparency patients deserve when entering an emergency room.”

House Bill 4233 passed out of the Healthcare Availability & Accessibility Committee unanimously with bipartisan support.