SPRINGFIELD — A new law from State Senator Celina Villanueva will ensure reproductive health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“As we navigate the war on reproductive rights, preventative laws like this are essential in counteracting restrictive and overarching laws of other states,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As a safe haven state, it is our responsibility to reinforce state-level protections where federal protections have failed us.”

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 championed House Bill 5239 this year.

The law will ensure that location information and health records for reproductive health care performed in Illinois will not be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Further, it will 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. 

“While federal protections are important, they have made it clear that state-level protections are crucial in safeguarding reproductive rights,” said Villanueva. “This law stands to uphold state autonomy as we continue to make reproductive healthcare a priority.”

House Bill 5239 was signed into law Wednesday and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a newly signed proposal to enhance Scott’s Law by further protecting construction workers.

“Expanding Scott’s Law to include constructions zones is essential to ensuring the safety of workers and drivers alike,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “By prioritizing this preventative law we are instituting safeguard for the lives of everyone involved.”

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.

Villanueva’s House Bill 5370 broadens 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.

“The clarification in the language of the law allows everyone to have a more clear understanding of when Scott’s Law should be followed and enforced,” said Villanueva. “We were able to recognize the proximity to possible hazards drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones could encounter and make a preventative step to ensure everyone’s safety.”

House Bill 5370 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva’s new law will allow those who plead guilty to a possession charge a second chance.

“Supporting first-time offenders of possession to reintegrate into society with the tools they need to succeed is essential,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By giving grace to first-time offenders we can further reduce the cycle of recidivism in our communities.”

This law protects individuals who plead guilty to a methamphetamine, controlled substances, cannabis, or gun possession charge in exchange for diversion into a probation program with the promise that a felony will not be included on their record upon successful completion of the program. The law is necessary because background checks often misinterpret diversion into special probation programs as a “conviction.”

Previously, a person who successfully completed a probation program would have their sentence or conviction vacated. This clean record applied while the person was enrolled in the program as well as for those who successfully complete the program.

“When we impose more severe penalties on first-time offenders we see a disproportionate effect on individuals from marginalized communities,” said Villanueva. “This law allows us to acknowledge the complexities of individual circumstances and give them the tools and resources to prevent future offenses rather than limiting their options by permanently tarnishing their record.”

House Bill 5285 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

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.”