My advocacy for the constituents of the 45th District is three-fold. It includes bills I file, bills I co-sponsor, support, and help get passed, and those I fight against. The column two weeks ago highlighted some of the more egregious bills I fought against this year. This week I would like to focus on some of the positive pieces of legislation that I sponsored or co-sponsored this year that will soon become laws.
Senate Bill 2767 is a big win for hunters because it allows wild turkey hunters to use smaller gauge shotguns for their sport. Whereas the current limit is a 20-gauge shotgun, sportsmen and women will now be able to use a smaller .410 bore. This should increase interest in the sport and open new avenues for participation by youth and young adults, smaller-framed people, the disabled, seniors, or others that are sensitive to the recoil experienced by a 20-gauge or larger shotgun.
Senate Bill 275 saves motorists time at the DMV by providing an option of a 4-year or 8-year driver’s license. The cost of an 8-year license is double the cost, but the time savings and convenience will be attractive to many motorists. Similarly, through House Bill 4592, in addition to the traditional plastic driver’s license card, digital versions that can be pulled up on a smartphone will become available in the near future.
Senate Bill 3479 safeguards veterans from predatory practices by so-called “claim sharks” who exploit veterans seeking their earned benefits. It imposes strict disclosure requirements for companies or entities that offer paid services to assist veterans in applying for benefits. These services are widely available through many non-profits at no cost. Another pro-veteran bill, Senate Bill 2751, waives building permit fees for residential improvements that accommodate the disability of a veteran.
Senate Bill 3567 is a government transparency and pro-taxpayer initiative. It requires all taxing districts to post their Truth in Taxation notices in a conspicuous place on the taxing district’s website homepage or through a link easily found on the homepage for at least 30 consecutive days.
Senate Bill 2697 is important for those with a personal or family history of cancer. This law requires that insurance policies issued after January 1, 2026, include coverage for clinical genetic testing if there is a history of cancer in the family.
Senate Bill 2791 evens the playing field for small businesses seeking grants in Illinois, by requiring that at least 50% of the dollar value of all economic incentives that are awarded are channeled toward businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Over 99% of all businesses in Illinois are classified as a small business. They are led by friends and neighbors who provide vital jobs in our communities.
Senate Bill 2824 seeks to lessen the disruption caused to children who are removed from their homes by the Department of Children & Family Services and placed in the custody of a different parent/relative. It allows kids, when possible, to remain in their school rather than being uprooted and moved to a different school.
Senate Bill 2862 provides valuable information to those seeking job skills. It requires the State Board of Higher Education to annually compile a list of the most in-demand jobs in Illinois, their starting and median salaries, and the typical education level for each.
Senate Bill 2740 addresses mobility challenges for those with disabilities by requiring condominiums to have designated and easily accessible parking spaces for condo renters/owners with disabilities.
Senate Bill 3207 will be extremely helpful to working families by allowing daycare centers to operate on a 24-hour basis to accommodate shift workers.
It’s important to note that a lot of these bills began with a phone call or email from a resident, who reached out to their Senator or Representative to express a frustration, a challenge, or an idea. This is where some of the best legislation originates— when a resident expresses a need, and their lawmaker turns an idea into public policy.
I am currently in the middle of a summer-long Community Connections tour and invite everyone to come to a meeting and share their ideas and concerns. Information about these meetings is posted on the Events page at SenatorChesney.com.
