Villanueva releases statement on U.S. Supreme Court ruling

• Domestic violence
• Karina's Law

CHICAGO – In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling upholding a federal law restricting firearm possession for domestic violence abusers, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“I am encouraged by today’s Supreme Court ruling and hope it guides us moving forward on how to better protect victims of gun violence.”

“Domestic violence situations can escalate quickly when firearms are involved, and these restrictions are a vital component in the effort to reduce and prevent domestic violence-related homicides. There is still more work to do when it comes to protecting survivors and their families in Illinois, but I am glad to see these restrictions upheld at the federal level. I am hopeful that this will continue, on a state level, for us to move forward with Karina’s Law.”

Villanueva comments on protections against deportation

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Biden administration’s executive action to allow certain undocumented spouses and children of U.S. citizens to apply for permanent residency, State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“The Biden Administration’s action is a significant step in the right direction for many undocumented family members – affirming our commitment to family unity, justice and compassion. For too long, our immigration system has imposed unnecessary hardships on families, often forcing them into the shadows or tearing them apart. This new policy will provide relief by offering a pathway to stability and security. It recognizes that family is the cornerstone of our society and that keeping families together strengthens our communities.

“Considering that this executive power can be challenged and even ended by a different administration, there is a lot more that needs to be done to provide permanent protections for undocumented communities that have contributed to this country for decades.

“Today’s action is a great first step, but we must build on this progress and enact comprehensive reforms that honor our nation's history as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.”

Villanueva’s bill to maintain lifesaving reproductive rights passes Senate

• Reproductive Rights
• HB 581

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure to preserve lifesaving reproductive health care as anti-choice action threatens to infringe on people’s rights.

“It is imperative that Illinois continues to shield itself against these persistent anti-choice attacks,” said Villanueva (D – Chicago). “This pending Supreme Court ruling threatens access to vital life-saving care for women throughout Illinois and beyond by limiting medically necessary services.”

House Bill 581 would protect Illinois patients from another likely Supreme Court rollback of reproductive rights by ensuring Illinois hospitals must provide any medically necessary services—including abortion services—to stabilize a patient at risk of severe injury or death. 

While this is currently federal law, the Supreme Court’s anti-choice majority is expected to rule as early as this June in Moyle v. Idaho. This case questions whether Idaho’s total abortion ban is exempt from the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. Idaho has argued that it should be exempt, an argument that, if upheld, could undermine critical patient protections in cases of severe pregnancy complications. If the Supreme Court again strikes down federal protections for patient health, House Bill 681 would ensure these protections remain in place in Illinois and would impose civil penalties on hospitals that refuse to provide lifesaving abortion procedures.

“I am committed to maintaining and reinforcing the measures that ensure the well-being and inalienable rights of women in Illinois,” said Villanueva. “The delicate process of bringing life into this world is already unpredictable. We must safeguard the legal protections to offer lifesaving emergency services.”

House Bill 581 passed the Senate Sunday and heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

Villanueva works to support communities in need

• Domestic violence
• Reproductive Rights
• FY25 Budget
• ARPA
• Child tax credit

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which supports funding for a child tax credit, reproductive health care, and domestic violence resources:

“This budget season was particularly difficult without American Rescue Plan Act dollars to help fund crucial state programs. We fought hard for programs that represent the best of what Illinois has to offer. We will continue fighting as long as it takes for underrepresented communities to get the resources they need.

“With that being said, I am pleased that we were able to continue to prioritize reproductive health care by investing into clinics, hotlines, training programs, and consultations. We are also seeing additional funding for domestic violence assistance.

“We have further maintained supporting underrepresented communities by making an increase investment to the child tax credit. These investments ensure that Illinois continues to provide additional support to communities in need.”