SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to ensure reproductive health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“Our fight for access to reproductive and gender-affirming care is far from over,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is our duty as a safe haven state to preserve people’s right to care while ensuring their livelihood won’t be put in jeopardy by restrictive, overarching laws of other states.”

Last year Villanueva led House Bill 4664 – a law to shield out-of-state patients and in-state providers from legal action originating from other states regarding abortions performed here.  To expand upon that measure and provide further protections, Villanueva is spearheading House Bill 5239 this year.

The measure would ensure that location information and health records for reproductive health care performed in Illinois would not be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Further, it would ensure that units of local governments could not assist in imposing a civil or criminal liability against a person or provider who received reproductive or gender affirming care in Illinois. 

“Continuing to legally protect those seeking or providing reproductive health care is essential to the safety and wellbeing of millions of people,” said Villanueva. “As women’s rights remain under attack at the national level, we must take appropriate steps in Illinois to not only expand rights and access to care – but protect people seeking such care.”

House Bill 5239 passed Senate Executive Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.

“It is essential that we establish safety measures to help drivers navigate zone changes to prevent accidents,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a simple step to ensuring the safety of construction workers.”

Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.

House Bill 5370 would enhance Scott’s Law to require vehicles entering a construction or maintenance zone to reduce speed and change into a lane that is not adjacent to construction workers, when possible.

“In prioritizing the protection of construction workers by clarifying the language in Scott’s Law, we create a more clear understanding for drivers of when this rule comes into play,” said Villanueva. “These necessary changes will guarantee the safety of drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones.”

House Bill 5370 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Underserved business owners could soon have more support through a new Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment under a measure passed by State Senator Celina Villanueva.

“Creating the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment ensures that businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and those with disabilities are protected,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “With this office, established resources and programs remain readily available to these underrepresented businesses.”

Senate Bill 859 would create the Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, further protecting equity initiatives. While DCEO has the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, it is not written into law. Villanueva’s measure would preserve equity initiatives through the formal establishment of the office and continue its current efforts supporting underserved business owners.

“In prioritizing the protection of equitable access to resources and programs, we provide opportunities for historically marginalized communities,” said Villanueva. “This proactive approach is essential for progress in equity and inclusion.”

Senate Bill 859 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – In order to give minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses better opportunities, State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to allow these marginalized groups to apply for up to $2 million in loans.

“By establishing better business incentives for underrepresented populations, we encourage long-term success and sustainability in disadvantaged communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It is important that we continue to break systemic barriers that these communities face in order to see long-lasting change.”

Senate Bill 3807 would encourage more people to apply to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Minority, Veteran, Female and Disability Loan Program by increasing the maximum loan amount from $400,000 to $2 million.

“In prioritizing the marginalized groups that have not been properly represented in the business sector in the past, we empower entire communities,” said Villanueva. “These investments are not only a matter of social responsibility, but strategic investment in long-term vitality.”

Senate Bill 3807 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for further consideration.