Senator Chesney Stands Up for Female Students’ Rights at Hononegah High School
It was recently brought to my attention that biological males have been changing clothes in the girls’ locker room at Hononegah High School in Rockton. Last week State Representative John Cabello and I attended the Board of Education meeting for the Hononegah Community High School District and joined a large group of outraged parents and community members to urge board members to reverse a shocking policy that allows biological males to use girls’ locker rooms. Click here to read the press release Rep. Cabello and I sent out after learning of the issue.
Girls should not ever be placed in a situation where they have to change clothes or be in the same room with a male who chooses to change clothes in a spaced designated for women. The woke policies of the Pritzker administration have gone way too far on this issue, and I will not stand by and allow these practices to continue. Representative Cabello and I will continue to stand with parents and students who have every right to know that only females will be present in girls’ locker rooms.
Senate Republicans Renew Calls for IHSA Compliance with Federal Order Banning Men from Women’s Sports
For generations, women and girls have fought hard for a level playing field in sports. Thanks to Title IX, those efforts have led to real progress—more opportunities, more scholarships, and a fair shot to compete. But today, those opportunities are at risk.
As you may recall, several weeks ago my Senate Republican colleagues and I sent a letter to the letter to the Executive Director of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), seeking information about how the IHSA plans to comply with President Trump’s executive order prohibiting biological males from participating in women’s high school sports. You can read that letter here.
Last week we received the IHSA’s response. In the response by IHSA Board President Dan Tully and IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson, they evaded any level of responsibility for ensuring fairness and safety in women’s sports. Policies protecting same-sex sports and locker room usage should not be up for debate. They must align with federal policy to ensure the integrity of competition and the well-being and safety of student athletes.
Unsatisfied with the IHSA response, this week we elevated our inquiry and took our request directly to United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. In our latest letter, we are seeking clarification and guidance on the implementation of the “Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports” executive order and let AG Bondi know that we welcome any steps the office might consider appropriate to ensure fairness and opportunities for all student athletes. You can read our letter to AG Bondi here.
This issue is about more than podium spots—it’s about preserving the fairness, safety, and opportunities that Title IX was designed to protect. Girls shouldn’t have to compete against biological males for scholarships, records, or roster spots. They deserve clarity and fairness and while Democrats continue to be silent on the issue Republicans are standing up for them.
Illinois House Passes Controversial Mascot Ban; Chesney Vows to Oppose in the Senate
On April 10, the Illinois House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1237, a controversial measure that would ban Native-themed mascots and logos in schools statewide.
The proposal requires affected schools, including many in the 45th District, to rebrand by July 1, 2026, unless they secure and renew approval every five years from a federally recognized tribe. At least 90 schools across the state would be impacted, many of which face steep, unfunded costs to replace uniforms, signage, and other materials. This pulls valuable resources away from classrooms, teachers, and student services.
I strongly believe this bill ignores the local significance of these mascots, which often represent pride, heritage, and long-standing community identity. At a time when Illinois faces a multibillion-dollar deficit and rising financial pressures, lawmakers should focus on real fiscal priorities and not micromanage local school identity and traditions.
I recently created a petition that people can sign to register their opposition to this pending mascot ban. You can click here to access the petition, and please know that if and when this bill comes to the floor of the Senate, I will be a vocal NO vote.
Chesney Partners with Alliance of Realtors for Pet Food Drive
There is no better pet than an adopted pet, and the Friends Forever Humane Society of Freeport has been providing loving homes for pets for over 70 years. Supplies are always needed, and it is my pleasure to announce that starting next week I will be partnering with the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors for a three-week pet food donation drive to replenish supplies for this shelter in Freeport. The drive will take place from April 28-May 16.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
Senator Andrew Chesney’s Office
50 West Douglas Street, Suite #1001, Freeport
Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors
773 W. Lincoln Blvd, Suite 304-A, Freeport, AND
1161 Tebala Blvd, Rockford
Keller Williams
809 Spring Street, Galena
For additional information about this event please call (815) 395-6777 or email Ashley at Ashley@nwrealtors.og.
Document Shredding Event Scheduled in Machesney Park for May 10
As a reminder, I would like to invite you to safely dispose of old bank records, receipts, and other documents at a free shred event that will be held Saturday, May 10, at the Machesney Park Town Center, which is the former mall. Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson will join me as a co-host of this popular event.
Participants are asked to follow traffic signs and remain in their vehicles. Shred truck staff will unload cars. Parking will be available for those who wish to see their documents fed into the shredder. While paper folders, staples and paper clips can be fed into the shredder, large binder clips, plastic file folders, and old floppy discs cannot be. Additionally, no electronics will be accepted for recycling or disposal at this event.
Senate Democrats Advance Dangerous Cannabis Bill
Senate Democrats recently advanced controversial legislation that potentially ties the hands of police and puts public safety at risk.
Senate Bill 42 removes the requirement that cannabis be stored in an odor-proof container and prevents law enforcement from stopping or searching a vehicle solely based on the smell of cannabis.
My Senate Republican colleagues and I argue that this proposal handcuffs law enforcement and undermines their ability to identify impaired drivers. The smell of cannabis has long been a reasonable and constitutionally accepted basis for officers to investigate potential impairment and, in turn, remove drivers who may be under the influence to ensure the safety of other drivers on Illinois roadways. If the smell of alcohol warrants further investigation, why should cannabis be treated differently?
I opposed the measure when it came before the Senate, arguing that the proposal sends the wrong message to Illinois drivers and discourages proactive policing of our roads. SB 42 now advances to the House for further consideration.
