OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is better protecting service animals in schools and the students who rely on them with a new law requiring teachers receive service animal training as part of their annual training.

“Service animals aren’t pets, they are essential medical equipment that can mean the difference between life and death for their users,” said Briel. “Bullying and harassment have no place in our schools in general, and that’s especially true when that harassment puts students’ medical equipment in harm’s way.”

Senate Bill 2761 will require annual training regarding protection and accommodations for students who rely on service animals in classrooms, in addition to what is already included in required educator training. The bill is in response to growing concerns of students’ service animals being taunted and disturbed in school settings, interfering with their role of caring for their student handler.

“The more teachers and instructional staff know about the critical role service animals play, the better they’ll be able to support the students who rely on them for success in the classroom,” said Briel. “This measure ensures that students across Illinois will be able to bring their service animals to school without fear of causing their animals mental or physical distress.”

The measure passed both chambers with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker on July 24.

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

CHICAGO – State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is promoting an upcoming radio interview tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22, at 6:05 p.m. with WCPT 820 AM’s Patti Vasquez and guest co-host Ken Mejia-Beal to discuss recent legislative work advocating for Illinoisans with disabilities. 

“I look forward to discussing such an important topic at such a fitting time. July is Disability Pride Month, a time where we can focus attention and truly advocate for the needs of residents with disabilities and their families. Since stepping into this position, it’s been a privilege to be a voice for the unheard, to work with such passionate individuals and groups, and to be patient but persistent enough to realize while we’ve made important strides in this space, there is much more work ahead,” said Briel.

The interview will run for approximately 10-12 minutes. Those interested in tuning in to the broadcast can listen at heartlandsignal.com/wcpt820/. Chicago residents can tune in to 820 AM via radio. 

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

PERU, Ill. – Joined by her office’s trio of advisory councils, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D- Ottawa, is inviting community members to a Pistol Shrimp baseball game this Tuesday, July 21, at approximately 6:30 p.m., to enjoy a sensory friendly themed-night while connecting with local families.

“The Pistol Shrimp baseball team is a summer highlight for so many families in the Illinois Valley. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a sensory-friendly evening while watching a great ball game, enjoying some yummy food and chatting with neighbors you may have never connected with before,” said Briel. “This is also a great time to promote the local councils I host and how anyone who wants to can participate in meaningful conversations with other families in the community. Whether you identify with a specific council or simply want to engage with new neighbors and learn more!”

The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimps will face the Danville Dans. Gates open at 5:35 p.m., one-hour prior to the game’s start at 6:35 p.m. at Schweickert Stadium, located at Veterans Memorial Park (2600 Plank Rd.) in Peru. General admission is free. Special treats will be provided to council members.

Briel will accompany members of her three local advisory councils, which meet monthly to discuss topics of interest through lived experiences and other shared perspectives. Briel hosts the Neurodivergent Council, a space for neurodivergent and autistic individuals to meet and discuss issues affecting the disability community, the Council of Wise Elders, which focuses on seniors and aging issues, and the Council of Emerging Professionals, which recruits local residents ages 17-29 years old to advocate for issues affecting younger generations.

“I’m looking forward to this outing and hope to see a great turnout supporting our Pistol Shrimps,” said Briel. “Everyone is invited! My office is available to help any resident seeking more information.”

For more information on this event or to join one of Rep. Briel’s advisory councils, please email contact@staterepbriel.com or call 815-587-7912.

LASALLE COUNTY, Ill. – In recognition of her work advocating for conservation and rural families in agriculture, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, received the 2026 Illinois Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award Saturday at the LaSalle County Fair.

“It’s an honor to receive this recognition from a community of advocates that have the same values and fight as I do—protecting our environment, supporting our farmers and ensuring that the families who work tirelessly to put food on the table have the resources they need to do their jobs best,” said Briel. “It’s beyond motivating that my time in Springfield working across aisles is little by little, day by day, improving the lives of neighbors back home.”

The Illinois Farm Bureau is one of the state’s largest grassroots organizations focused on improving the economic well-being of agriculture and the quality of family farm life. Briel was awarded the annual Friend of Agriculture award for leading and supporting a series of legislation this year that protects Illinois’ environment, supports farmers and agriculture workers, incentivizes sustainability and cuts red tape limiting resources and production.

“The work is far from over and I’ll continue working on legislation that protects farmers, their rights and their land,” said Briel.

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

OTTAWA, Ill. — State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is highlighting a new law signed Friday set to improve interactions between law enforcement and Illinois drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by establishing the Blue Envelope Program throughout Illinois.

“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 where interaction with law enforcement is necessary,” said Briel. “We’ve seen this program’s success in parts of the state already, as well as communities across the country, and it’s more than fitting that this useful tool is extended to all neurodivergent Illinoisans.”

Briel supported House Bill 4472 this spring, creating the Blue Envelope Program in Illinois to support easier and safer interactions for neurodivergent drivers when stopped by law enforcement. Working with the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office, residents diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum may use a SOS blue envelope to hold important documents, such as identification and insurance, required to operate their motor vehicle. With all necessary information in one location, individuals can locate documents easily in potentially high stress situations.

This voluntary program seeks to help both law enforcement 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.

“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.”

The bipartisan measure was signed into law by the governor Friday afternoon.

OTTAWA, Ill. – Major affordability measures cracking down on hidden junk fees and price gouging schemes are now law thanks to the support of state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa.

“Grocery trip receipts shouldn’t climb week by week for the same products. A price tag shouldn’t double after you’ve hit checkout. These are all commonsense ideas, yet families statewide are footing enormous costs that just aren’t normal—and by no means tenable,” said Briel. “Deceptive practices like these have far too long pushed Illinois shoppers around with hidden fees and price gouging that burn our wallets and stretch our savings. This set of laws puts control back where it belongs—in the hands of Illinois consumers, not billionaire corporations.”

Often disguised as “convenience” or “processing” fees, hidden junk fees cost families over $3,000 every year, driving the affordability crisis and making everyday purchases more expensive.

Briel worked to crack down on these hidden fees with House Bill 228, which is now law. The measure requires businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price and gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees.

Briel also supported greater protections for people buying tickets to concerts and sporting events. In response to high-profile reports of abusive practices perpetrated by ticket resellers and AI- powered ‘bot farms’ purchasing mass amounts of event tickets to be resold at two or three times the face value, she passed House Bill 4984, which bans resellers from offering the sale of tickets they do not actually possess. Additionally, Senate Bill 318 bans the use of bots to buy tickets in excess of posted limits of online ticket sales or to circumvent electronic queues and other waiting periods. These measures are now law.

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.