* WAND…

A plan moving in the Illinois Capitol could shield healthcare providers from being punished for prescribing medication abortion if President Donald Trump revokes FDA approval for the drugs.

Sponsors said the Trump administration presents a national threat to reproductive healthcare access and Illinois needs laws in place to keep patients and providers safe. The measure would apply regardless of whether a patient is an Illinois resident or not.

Medication abortion would be protected under state laws as long as it is approved for use by the World Health Organization. […]

The legislation passed out of the Senate Executive Committee on a partisan 8-4 vote Tuesday night. House Bill 3637 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

* WGN…

The Illinois High School Association, the state’s governing body for high school athletics, will collaborate with state lawmakers over a bill that aims to allow student-athletes to compete in more sporting events not sanctioned by the IHSA while their high school seasons are going on.

The IHSA announced in a news release this week that it’s working with state Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville) to expand opportunities for student-athletes to compete in local and national sporting events, based on the two lawmakers’ work on House Bill 3037, known as the Right to Play Act. […]

But now, after the bill has passed the Illinois House and awaits action in the Senate, the IHSA says it’s willing to work with state lawmakers by updating its bylaws.

“We recognize that IHSA bylaws require occasional modifications,” Anderson said in this week’s release. “We appreciate Senator Villivalam and Representative Yang Rohr’s focus on serving their constituents.

* Sen. Robert Peters…

On Wednesday, the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee held a subject matter hearing for two measures sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters aimed at delivering community-driven responses to youth violence and trauma by investing nearly $10 million in programs that use sports and healing-centered support to reach Illinois’ most vulnerable communities.

“We know sport is more than a game – it’s a life-changing tool that keeps young people safe, connected and on a positive path,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 64 would ensure we’re investing in proven strategies that uplift youth and prevent violence where it’s needed most.”

Senate Bill 64 would distribute $5.5 million to the Illinois Department of Human Services for a grant to Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, an organization supporting more than 300 programs in over 40 countries and territories – each using the power of sport to support young people from underserved communities. Through the grant, Laureus would continue to oversee a statewide grant program supporting organizations in low-density residential neighborhoods that leverage sport as a tool for youth development and violence prevention.

Studies have found that youth sport involvement can positively influence the well-being of children across the country – reducing risky behaviors, teaching life skills and promoting positive social environments. Sports also offer a safe space for youth to engage in physical activity, develop social skills and find positive role models, deterring involvement in violence.

To assist communities grappling with the repercussions of violence, Senate Bill 2633 would allot $4 million to IDHS for a grant to Chicago Survivors for family and community services. Chicago Survivors promotes the healing of communities and families affected by violence through empathetic, trauma-informed and multi-faceted approaches to support. […]

Community organizations assist families through a range of services, from mental health support to peer connection and prevention and intervention. They also help families navigate complex systems and connect them with advocacy and support groups – helping those affected by loss cope with grief, trauma and the aftermath of violence. […]

Peters looks forward to continued conversations with colleagues, advocates and stakeholders in the hopes to advance his legislation.

* WAND…

Democratic lawmakers hope to pass a plan in the final weeks of session to ensure Illinois strengthens workplace safety standards even if federal laws are weakened or repealed.

Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) told the Senate Labor Committee Tuesday that no one should have to worry about losing vital workplace protections due to shifting politics.

His legislation could prevent the state from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. The plan would also require Illinois to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law. […]

Senate Bill 1976 passed out of the Senate Labor Committee on a partisan 10-3 vote Tuesday night.

* Sen. Mike Porfirio…

According to a recent study, 25% of teachers use AI tools in the classroom. A bill sponsored by State Senator Mike Porfirio would provide assurance that students are learning from teachers, not AI.

“AI is a tool, not a teacher,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Illinois must stay proactive when it comes to cutting-edge technology. This measure would protect the jobs of our teachers, and secure a legitimate education for our students.”

House Bill 1859 would prohibit courses in public community colleges from using artificial intelligence as the sole source of instruction in lieu of a faculty member. It specifies that teachers are able to use AI to aid course instruction. In 2024, California enacted a similar law, prohibiting AI bots from replacing community college faculty.

Schools across the country have been searching for new ways of incorporating AI into their courses. In 2023, Harvard University announced that they would be using an AI teaching assistant to teach their CS50 course. Porfirio’s bill would safeguard teachers from the expansion of AI utilization, preventing it from serving in place of a staff member at Illinois community colleges.

House Bill 1859 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday.

* WCIA…

An Illinois State Senator is pushing a proposal to stop gyms from altering benefits of a “promised lifetime membership.”

State Senator Christopher Belt said in a news conference he’s highlighting legislation that would prevent gyms and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of their promised lifetime memberships, otherwise known as a “bait-and-switch” tactic. […]

Senate Bill 314 requires physical fitness centers that offer these lifetime memberships to be upfront about any provisions in the contract that would allow them to decrease benefits or increase prices. Additionally, these terms have to be clearly disclosed, meaning no fine print or “legal gymnastics.” […]

The bill passed the Senate and is currently awaiting consideration before the Illinois House.

SB314 received a deadline extension in the House, giving the bill until May 31 to move through the chamber.

* WAND…

The Illinois Senate passed a bill Wednesday to allow more low-income college students to receive SNAP benefits.

Nearly one in four undergraduate students don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Sen. Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago) said Illinois should expand eligibility for students who participate in a government operated program that increases employability and job readiness. […]

Senate Republicans appreciated the intent of the legislation. Although, Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said able-bodied college students should be working in order to receive SNAP benefits. […]

Senate Bill 1298 passed out of the Senate on a 39-16 vote and now moves to the House floor.

* WAND…

Second Amendment supporters traveled to the state capitol building Wednesday to lobby for gun rights. […]

The gun rights activists also aimed their sights at a bill that is yet to pass both chambers. SB8 would require all firearms to be securely stored in a locked container when in the presence of a minor or at risk person.

While the proposal has passed the Senate, it is currently delayed after a subject matter hearing last week. Ed Sullivan with the Illinois State Rifle Association said the Democrats could be scared to pass it.

“They’re taking notice that we’re going to sue them,” Sullivan said.

* KSDK…

Two bills aimed at mascots in Illinois High Schools have temporarily stalled in the Illinois Senate, but lawmakers say the legislation likely isn’t going away anytime soon.

HB1237 and HB 327 each passed the Illinois House by large margins, but failed to be assigned to committee after multiple lawmakers expressed concerns over the cost to local school districts. […]

“The team is named because of history,” State Rep. Charlie Meier said. “Because of what went on there. That’s honoring them. It goes to show you can be a fighter. They fight for their team. They fight to win.”

Shelby Holloway, co-director of Mascot’s Matter, views the issue a bit differently.
“You could be playing another individual at another school who has dwarfism,” Shelby Holloway said. “Imagine what that student feels when you are chanting your mascot.” […]

Sen. Karina Villa, the Senate sponsor of HB3527, has already requested an extension on the bill in hopes it could be assigned to committee before the end of session on June 1.

* Rep. Murri Briel…

Committed to addressing everyday obstacles Illinois farmers face, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is carrying a bill expanding the lawful use of large-scale farm equipment to the House Floor for consideration this week.

“It’s very common for farms across the state to employ temporary help during planting and harvesting season, and we want to ensure these workers are able to operate equipment critical to the farm’s success,” said Briel. “By extending the license availability to operate farm equipment another 30 days, we won’t be taking away these crucial tools halfway through their harvesting seasons.”

Senate Bill 849 expands CDL license availability for any farm-related service from 180 days to 210 days in any 12-month period, allowing temporary farm workers to operate large-scale equipment through a full season of planting and harvesting.

Current law barred temporary workers from utilizing CDL licenses to continue using large-scale farm equipment, like combines and irrigation machinery, through the completion of harvest season. This measure would effectively extend the CDL period an additional 30 days so temporary farm hands can operate through the completion of harvesting periods.