Friend,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Last week marked the start of the 2026 Spring Session, and I’m already hard at work advocating for our families, protecting our communities, and supporting programs that make a real difference right here at home. From new parks in Schaumburg and South Barrington to events supporting seniors and foster families, there’s a lot happening in our district, and I’m excited to share the latest updates with you.
This week’s topics include:
- Senator Hills Advocates for Survivors and Highlights Local Impact During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
- State Funding Brings New Parks and Open Spaces to Schaumburg and South Barrington
- Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar
- Collecting Valentines for Seniors
- My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Senator Hills Advocates for Survivors and Highlights Local Impact During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and I recently participated as an expert panelist at Rahab’s Daughters’ Human Trafficking & You virtual discussion to talk about the urgent need to combat human trafficking and protect survivors. This event brought together legislators, advocates, survivors, and community leaders to discuss the realities of trafficking, strategies for prevention, and how we can strengthen laws to hold traffickers accountable.
Human trafficking is a hidden crime that affects our communities every day. Survivors deserve our protection, our support, and our action to make sure traffickers cannot hide behind loopholes or weak enforcement.
During the panel, I shared my work on two pieces of legislation I’ve co-sponsored:
- SB0267 – Expands the Sex Offender Registration Act so anyone who commits human trafficking involving commercial sexual activity or sexual exploitation is required to register. This bill closes a loophole that previously allowed some traffickers to avoid registration.
- SB0284 (“Andrew’s Law”) – Limits plea bargaining in sex offenses against minors and keeps convicted child sex offenders from working or volunteering in places serving children. It strengthens protections and accountability so our laws reflect the severity of these crimes.
We also discussed the critical role communities play in prevention. Schools, faith communities, healthcare providers, businesses, and everyday citizens all have a responsibility to recognize warning signs, support survivors, and report suspected trafficking. This issue hits close to home: of the 99 human trafficking victims rescued nationwide in 2025, 45 were in Illinois, and 19 were from my district.
Together, we can protect the most vulnerable and ensure traffickers face justice. Survivors are not alone, and their voices must guide how we prevent and respond to trafficking in our communities.
You can watch the full seminar here.
State Funding Brings New Parks and Open Spaces to Schaumburg and South Barrington
I’m excited to share that two communities in our district are receiving a combined $1.2 million in state funding through the OSLAD grant program to support local park and conservation projects.
Schaumburg will receive $600,000 for the 90 North Park Phase 3 project, and South Barrington will get $600,000 for the South Barrington Conservancy. These grants help create spaces where kids can play, families can gather, and residents can enjoy the outdoors close to home.
OSLAD grants are a perfect example of smart, community-focused investments that benefit our neighborhoods for years to come. I’m proud to support programs that protect natural resources while giving families more ways to enjoy them.
Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar
I’m proud to partner with Let It Be Us and fellow legislators for a Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar on January 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Libertyville at the Libertyville Civic Center.
Whether you’re just starting to learn or looking to get more involved, this free event offers valuable information and resources for supporting children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.
All are welcome and attendance is free. Seating is limited, register now at letitbeus.org/senatorhills. Please contact Kate at katesoldan@letitbeus.org if you have any questions.
Collecting Valentines for Seniors
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I am inviting you to write a Valentine’s Day card for seniors in our district. These small gestures mean so much and help remind our seniors they are valued and remembered.
Last year, our caucus collected and delivered more than 60,000 Valentine’s cards statewide, helping brighten the day for thousands of seniors.
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to contact my office for drop-off details or visit https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/events/ to learn more about the program.
Drop off or mail cards by February 6th, 2026 to my district office at 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Drop off hours are between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday- Friday.
My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Connecting with our community is important to us, which is why we’re bringing the office to Palatine!
Stop by during our Traveling Office Hours in Palatine on four upcoming dates to connect with our team, share what’s on your mind, and get help with any state issues that matter most to you. Your feedback helps guide my work in Springfield and helps me best represent you.
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As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills