Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva

Villanueva measure to strengthen charter school accountability passes Senate

Details: Category: News; Thursday, May 21, 2026 05:26 PM

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen accountability and protect students and families when charter schools face financial instability, State Senator Celina Villanueva spearheaded a measure that would revise procedures for charter school closures.

“When charter schools shut down unexpectedly, it causes significant uncertainty on the social fabric of our communities – severing the trust residents place in these schools,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By establishing clearer financial safeguards and timelines for renewal agreements, we are ensuring our families, students and teachers aren’t stuck paying the price of fiscal instability and mismanagement.”

Senate Bill 3391 would withhold public funding for a charter holder wishing to renew a charter until an initial agreement has been fully executed, which would be required within 90 days of the approval of a renewal solution. The bill aims to establish stronger financial safeguards to ensure students, staff and public resources are protected if a charter school closes. The measure comes as several charter schools in Chicago have faced financial challenges that threatened mid-year closures, raising concerns among families and educators about the lack of clear closure planning and oversight.

Villanueva leads measure to protect patients’ reproductive health records

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, May 20, 2026 07:54 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the importance of reproductive health data privacy for Illinois residents, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure to directly combat continued attacks on bodily autonomy and keep reproductive data out of the wrong hands.

“Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, women across the United States have faced increased weaponization and surveillance of their reproductive health data, trapping many in a state of constant fear after seeking pregnancy- or abortion-related care,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By requiring health information exchanges to implement new policies that protect reproductive health data, Illinois is ensuring patients never have to worry about being criminalized or targeted for seeking critical care.”

A health information exchange is used to electronically transfer patient medical data, for the use of maintaining medical records or to share among providers, to improve diagnostic efficiency and the overall quality of patient care. To keep abortion records safe, Villanueva’s measure, the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act, would require health information exchanges to:

Villanueva joins Clerk Valencia in uplifting local Pilsen businesses

Details: Category: News; Friday, May 15, 2026 03:08 PM

CHICAGO – To uplift Chicago businesses experiencing economic hardship, State Senator Celina Villanueva joined local businesses in Pilsen during “Shopping in Solidarity” on Friday, an initiative of the office of City Clerk Anna M. Valencia to encourage Chicagoans to shop across the city.

“Local businesses are the backbone of Pilsen, with restaurants and shops alike creating jobs for our residents and preserving the rich Mexican roots of our community,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “The businesses on 18th Street are critical for backing the neighborhood’s economy as well as helping preserve the culture and aesthetic of Pilsen that Chicagoans recognize today. Taking the time to visit some of these businesses to show support and listen to their concerns is essential for uplifting the communities I serve.”

In response to a combination of federal funding cuts, immigration raids and tariffs that are resulting in a steeper cost of living for residents and forcing families to cut back on spending, the Office of the City Clerk launched Shopping in Solidarity to help boost foot traffic at local businesses.

Villanueva leads measure to strengthen identity protections for youth in state’s care

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, May 13, 2026 05:33 PM

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading a measure that aims to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

“Unfortunately, there have been too many cases where children are placed in the care of DCFS – with relatives, in residential group settings or in foster homes – and they aren’t treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, especially when it comes to their individual identity,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “No child wants to be separated from their parents, but if that is the safest option, we have to ensure not only that the new living environment that child is entering supports their identity and needs, but also that the staff overseeing that child supports those things.”

House Bill 4966, also known as the SECURE Act, would enshrine enforceable standards of conduct for DCFS staff and caregivers of youth in care and ensure children, especially LGBTQ+ youth, receive the same services if placed out of state as they would in Illinois. Under Villanueva’s proposal, the department would be required to protect youth in care from unnecessary and unapproved disclosure of their sensitive identity information, including personal data that is linked or reasonably linkable to a child and identifies the child's sexual orientation. It would also create a process for DCFS to abide by if it discloses sensitive identity information and would require the department to provide notice to the youth.

Welcome

Welcome to my official Senate website. This will be your tool for news about what I am doing in Springfield, important information regarding the 12th District and events taking place in and around our community.

It is important to me to have a resource available to my constituents with content necessary to keep you informed as well as a place to have your voice heard. Please continue to visit this site as it grows and see how I am working for you.

— Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva

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Office Info

Springfield Office:
631 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-5304

District Office:
2501 S. Central Park Ave.
Front Suite
Chicago, IL 60623
773-565-4661