CHICAGO – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus championed a new law aimed at safeguarding residents' constitutional rights and maintaining access to essential public services during increased federal immigration enforcement activity in Chicago and throughout the state.

The law responds to reports of intensive federal immigration operations in Chicago and other Illinois communities that have sparked concerns about potential constitutional violations and reduced access to critical services.

“There is no badge, no title, no mask that puts anyone above the Constitution. This law sends the message that if you abuse your authority, there are consequences,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Our rights follow us into the courthouse, onto campus, at the hospital and when taking our kids to daycare. No one gets to take them away. We are providing the victims of this chaotic federal assault a clear, legal path to go after their abusers and hold them accountable.”

The law encompasses initiatives of the Illinois Senate Latino Caucus to protect Illinois residents’ constitutional rights and ensure safe access to public spaces amid increasingly aggressive violations of those rights in Chicago and across the state.

It will allow Illinois citizens and residents to bring civil actions against any person who deprives them of their constitutional rights while conducting civil immigration enforcement. Punitive damages may be available when agents engage in certain behavior, including: wearing masks to conceal their faces, refusing to identify themselves, or driving vehicles with hidden or altered license plates.

The law will also codify long-standing common law protections to ensure parties, witnesses, and their family members can access the justice system without fear of civil arrest. The law will also create a 1,000-foot safe zone around courthouses, including parking facilities and surrounding streets. Violations carry civil damages for false imprisonment.

“For too long, individuals, especially immigrants and survivors of violence, have feared showing up in public spaces where they have every right to be,” said Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “House Bill 1312 reaffirms Illinois’ commitment to protecting privacy and due process by making sure our hospitals, schools and courthouses remain safe and accessible to everyone. We are saying clearly: your rights do not stop at the door.”

The law further will require public colleges and universities to establish procedures for reviewing law enforcement access requests and prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of immigration status.

“Education is a cornerstone of our democracy – a right for all Illinoisans that must be defended, regardless of immigration status. We cannot allow armed, masked federal agents inciting chaos in our communities to deprive our neighbors of their constitutional rights,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “Despite the federal administration’s attempts to stifle justice and due process, Illinois will continue to uphold these fundamental rights for every person that calls our state home.”

Similarly, all Illinois hospitals will be required to develop comprehensive policies for law enforcement interactions by early 2026, with $500 daily penalties for noncompliance. Licensed daycare centers will also be required to adopt policies for interacting with law enforcement, including parental notification and consent requirements before sharing children's information, while prohibiting disclosure of citizenship or immigration status unless legally required.

“As aggressive immigration enforcement continues to spread, Illinois will stand as a pillar of accountability and justice. We will not allow ICE to go unchecked as they endanger our children and sow chaos in our communities,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “In Illinois we will continue to protect each of our residents, regardless of immigration status.”

House Bill 1312 was signed into law Tuesday and takes immediate effect.

Koehler's new law puts vaccine guidance at the forefront

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

Read more.

Johnson champions legislation to strengthen safety and privacy protections for public officials

SPRINGFIELD — To better protect the safety and privacy of public officials and their families, Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to remove personal information from the public domain and prevent online targeting.

“Public service should never come with threats to personal safety,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We’ve seen far too many examples of harassment and intimidation directed at officials for simply doing their jobs. This measure provides common-sense protections that keep our public servants and their families safe, without compromising government transparency.”

Read more.

Peters' measure to raise juvenile detention age, focus on rehabilitation

SPRINGFIELD — An initiative from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained and limit the use of detention in certain situations where the minor is not charged with a violent crime, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

Read more.

Strengthening free press protections

From newsroom intimidation to national security transparency, State Senator Steve Stadelman shares candid insights on the real-world pressure journalists face — and how Illinois’ new protections aim to defend the public’s right to know.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Laura Fine, Evanston: New Illinois law supports nursing mothers, begins in 2026 | Yahoo

Senator Linda Holmes, Aurora: Statewide Paint Recycling Program Debuts in Illinois | PR Newswire

Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Chicago: Clean Slate Act: Bill automatically sealing nonviolent felony records awaits Pritzker's signature | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Happy Thanksgiving!

With much to be grateful for this year, it was important for us to reach out and wish you a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This day reminds us all to acknowledge the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to the people who have helped us through tough times.

We hope your home is filled with love and warmth, and that you are able to feel a sense of togetherness.

To hear a special Thanksgiving message from Senate President Don Harmon, click here. Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop small this holiday season!

As we head into the heart of the holiday season, we want to share a friendly reminder that Small Business Saturday is coming up on Nov. 29. This nationwide celebration encourages all of us to support the local shops, restaurants and family-owned establishments that make our community unique.

Whether you’re picking out gifts, grabbing a meal or simply exploring your neighborhood, choosing to spend locally has a real impact. Even if you’re watching your budget this year, there are still meaningful ways to lift up small businesses, such as leaving a kind review, recommending them to a friend, or showing your support by engaging with them on social media.

Every bit helps. Let’s come together to uplift the small businesses that keep our community vibrant, connected and thriving. Remember to shop small this holiday season!

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved

Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the opening of IATSE Local 2's new training center

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus applauded the opening of a new training center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2 Stagehands, thanks to a $5 million grant they backed.

“Our entertainment workforce displays great creativity and passion for their craft,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting their efforts to develop and train workers in this arena will bring greater opportunities for more pillars of the filmmaking community to call Illinois their home.”

Read more.

Ellman commemorates opening of new Philip J. Rock Center and School facility for deaf-blind students

GLEN ELLYN — State Senator Laura Ellman joined local, state and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Philip J. Rock Center and School, the nation’s only publicly-funded residential school dedicated to serving students who are deaf-blind.

“As the only publicly-funded residential school in the country for students who are deaf-blind, the Philip J. Rock Center and School has helped students discover their strength and independence for generations,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m thrilled that Illinois is supporting this incredible place, ensuring its impact reaches even more families across our community.”

Read more.

Belt celebrates groundbreaking on new grocery store in Venice

VENICE — State Senator Christopher Belt joined leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative — marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. The groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“We have had some great days here in Venice, first for our bill signing, then to award this grant, and now we are here to put a shovel in the ground,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I think we’ll be here again when the grocery store is completed to celebrate what we have accomplished.”

Read more.

Impacts of federal budget decision on education in Illinois

From reducing access to health care and meals for public school students, to slashing options for student loan repayments, the federal administration’s budget makes devastating cuts across education – from preschool to college.

State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a former teacher, joins the Sound of the State to discuss the impact HR1 has on our students.

Listen here.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Omar Aquino, Chicago: Bill creating safety zones, allowing immigrant families to file civil lawsuits against ICE heads to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Don Harmon, Oak Park: Illinois lawmakers pass behavioral healthcare parity law, send plan to Pritzker's desk | WAND

Senator Mike Simmons, Chicago: Illinois Senate passes bill banning rent junk fees, House ends session without voting on plan | WAND

Copyright 2025 - Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus - All Rights Reserved