It was another busy week at the Capitol as legislation continues moving through committees and we head further into session. Thank you for staying engaged and taking the time to stay informed about what’s happening in Springfield.
This week’s topics include:
- Senator Darby Hills Advances ‘Healing Through History Act’ to Close Foster Care Records Gap and Support Adoptive Families
- Darby’s District Highlight – Heroic Wauconda Fire Fighters
- Legislative Package Introduced to Provide Relief to Struggling Homeowners
- Hills on ABC Channel 7: Legislation to End Daylight Savings
- Business, Budget, and Bears
- My Office is Coming to Palatine
- Police Officer Pension Investment Fund
- IL Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
- $31.5 Million Available in Round 2 of Illinois Regional Site Readiness Grants
- Read Across America Day
- Free Webinar to Help Residents Save on Energy Costs
- Career Opportunities: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Senator Darby Hills Advances ‘Healing Through History Act’ to Close Foster Care Records Gap and Support Adoptive Families
Every child deserves to know their history.
Last week, my constituent, Melissa Khamjhounnavong, a mother of three who adopted all three of her children through the foster care system with the help of Let It Be Us, came to the Capitol to testify on a bill that began with her family’s experience. She shared how important it is for children and adoptive families to have access to foster care records so they can better understand a child’s story, milestones, and support their healing.
That’s why I filed SB 2895, the Healing Through History Act, which addresses a gap in Illinois law that prevents adoptive families from accessing important parts of a child’s foster care history.
The bill passed the committee unanimously with bipartisan support and is now heading to the Senate floor.
Melissa, thank you for your courage, your advocacy, and for helping turn your story into meaningful change for families across Illinois.
Read more about the bill and watch the video from the committee here.
Darby’s District Highlight – Heroic Wauconda Fire Fighters
I am incredibly proud to recognize FF/PM Jake Harmon and FF/PM Alex Faczek for their heroic, life-saving actions while off duty. While attending a basketball game at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, they witnessed a woman in line suddenly go into cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, they jumped into action and provided life-saving assistance until additional help arrived. Their quick thinking and professionalism in a moment of crisis helped ensure a positive outcome, and it is especially wonderful to hear that the patient was later discharged and able to walk out of the hospital without assistance. Their commitment to serving others, both on and off duty, truly reflects the very best of our public safety professionals.
I stopped by the Wauconda Fire District station last week to present FF/PM Harmon and FF/PM Faczek with certificates of recognition in honor of their heroic actions and to express how proud they have made our community and state.
Legislative Package Introduced to Provide Relief to Struggling Homeowners
My colleagues and I came together last week to unveil a legislative package aimed at providing relief to struggling homeowners and making it more affordable to buy and stay in a home in Illinois.
The proposed package of solutions is designed to help first-time buyers, reduce the strain of property taxes and insurance costs, and protect homeowners from losing the equity they have built over a lifetime.
The legislation includes:
- Senate Bill 3959, the Welcome Home Illinois Tax Credit, would provide a $500 non-refundable tax credit for first-time homebuyers, carried forward for up to five years.
- Senate Bill 3781 would make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable when Illinoisans file their state income taxes.
- Senate Bill 3782, the Fairness in Property Tax Foreclosure Task Force, would develop reforms to Illinois’ property tax foreclosure system after a United States Supreme Court ruling found the system unconstitutional. Under current law, delinquent property taxes can be sold to investors, and families can lose not only their home, but also the equity they spent years building.
- Senate Bill 3849 would add annual Consumer Price Index adjustments to Illinois’ General Homestead Exemption to better reflect rising home values and costs.
- Senate Bill 3848 would create an income tax deduction tied to the year-over-year increase in a taxpayer’s homeowners insurance costs.
These proposals take direct aim at the major cost drivers squeezing homeowners, with a focus on affordability, fairness, and keeping families in their homes.
Hills on ABC Channel 7: Legislation to End Daylight Savings
Daylight Saving Time began this weekend, and many families are once again adjusting to losing an hour of sleep and shifting their routines. Even losing just one hour of sleep can have real impacts on safety and health in the days following the time change. Research has shown increases in traffic accidents and workplace injuries immediately after the spring switch, and some studies also link the time change to a higher risk of heart attacks.
Many people are simply tired of changing their clocks every spring and fall. A consistent schedule is better for our health and for daily life.
That’s why I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 2926, which would allow Illinois to end the twice-a-year clock change if our surrounding states do the same. More evening daylight can support mental health by giving people more opportunities to get outside, exercise, and spend time with family after work or school. It can also improve safety by making it easier for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists during the evening commute.
I also recently joined ABC Channel 7 to discuss this issue and why many Illinois families are ready for a more consistent approach to our clocks.
Read the full article and watch the show here: Daylight saving time 2026: When to ‘spring forward’ and more – ABC7 Chicago
Business, Budget, and Bears
Last Friday, I started my morning off talking about the three B’s: Business, Budget, and Bears! I joined a local legislative panel to talk about our priorities for Illinois families and businesses. I believe our state should be a place where working families can thrive, businesses can grow, and affordability comes first.
Thank you to the Schaumburg Business Association, the Village of Schaumburg, Illinois Government, and the Daily Herald for hosting! Conversations like this help keep us focused on what matters to our communities.
Read more on the Daily Herald.
My Office is Coming to Palatine!
Can’t make it to our district office? Have something on your mind? Stop by our Traveling Office Hours in Palatine next Thursday, March 19th, at the Palatine Library District to meet our team, share your thoughts, and get help with any state-related questions. Your input helps guide my work in Springfield.
When: Thursday, March 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Where: 700 N. North CT. Palatine, IL 60067
Police Officer Pension Investment Fund
It was great welcoming Chairman Paul Swanwand and delegates from the Police Officer Pension Investment Fund to the Capitol last week. I appreciate the important work they do to help ensure the long-term stability of our police pension systems and to support the men and women who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights and advocate on behalf of law enforcement across Illinois.
IL Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance during their Lobby Day at the Capitol. It was great to talk with educators and advocates who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and wellness for students across Illinois. The gentleman to the right of me is my constituent from Mundelein. Thank you for the work you do to support our schools and communities.
$31.5 Million Available in Round 2 of Illinois Regional Site Readiness Grants
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced that $31.5 million in grant funding is available through round 2 of the Regional Site Readiness Program.
The infrastructure grants are aimed at helping communities attract businesses, create jobs, and support community renewal by preparing unused or unsuitable sites, like abandoned factories, for development.
The program offers two funding categories: Planning and Capital Ready. Qualified entities may apply for Planning grants up to $150,000, and Capital Ready grants up to $5 million.
Eligible applicants include local governments, economic development organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March 31 or until funds are exhausted. To learn more, visit dceo.illinois.gov.
Read Across America Day
Reading plays a critical role in a child’s development, and I’m always encouraged to see efforts that help more children discover the joy of books.
In recognition of Read Across America Day, the office of Alexi Giannoulias partnered with the Illinois Literacy Foundation, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, and the Illinois State Library to distribute more than 2,000 children’s books to families across the region.
One of the participating locations in our district was the Buehler YMCA, where children received free books and participated in reading activities with volunteer readers.
Programs like this help encourage strong literacy skills at an early age. Access to books and reading support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s confidence, curiosity, and long-term academic success. I’m grateful to the volunteers and organizations working together to promote literacy and ensure more children have the opportunity to learn, imagine, and grow through reading.
Free Webinar to Help Residents Save on Energy Costs
Looking for ways to save money on your energy bills this spring? Nicor Gas is hosting a free online resource webinar to connect residents with helpful programs and services.
During the webinar, participants will learn about:
- Billing assistance resources
- Free energy-saving opportunities for your home
- Community organizations that provide additional support
Thursday, March 12, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to learn about programs that may help lower your monthly energy costs and connect with resources available in our community.
You can register here.
Career Opportunities: Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
Please see below for the latest career opportunities available within the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS).
Job Opportunities:
Critical Infrastructure Protection Section Manager (PSA, Opt. I) – Posting ID 52218
X-Ray, Laser & Mammography Inspection Manager (Nuclear Safety Manager) – Posting ID 53926
Nuclear Safety Inspector – Posting ID 53254
——
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