As America celebrated its 250th birthday, we were reminded that our nation’s story is, at its heart, the story of millions of families and the traditions and communities that have helped shape it.
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and were surrounded by the people who matter most.
Topics below include:
- Community Pushback Halts Proposed Data Center, Hills Continues Fight for Local Control
- Protecting Illinois Families: Diaper Ingredients Transparency and Asthma Medications in Schools
- FREE Museum Pass Card
- Join My Summer Reading Program
- State Officials Urge Illinoisans to Take Precautions During Extreme Heat
- Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
- Several New Laws Took Effect on July 1
Community Pushback Halts Proposed Data Center, Hills Continues Fight for Local Control
I was encouraged to see a developer withdraw its proposal for a controversial data center in Hoffman Estates after residents from Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills, and South Barrington came together to make their voices heard. Their advocacy sent a clear message that large industrial developments should not move forward without transparency, public input, and consideration for the communities they impact.
That is exactly why I introduced Senate Bill 1050 this spring. My legislation would ensure neighboring municipalities have a meaningful voice before a data center can be built within three miles of their borders and would strengthen public notice requirements so residents have the information they deserve before decisions are made.
Although my bill did not advance this spring, I remain committed to fighting for these commonsense protections during the veto session. The recent withdrawal of this proposal is proof that when communities stand together and speak up, they can make a difference. I will continue working to protect local control, increase transparency, and ensure residents have a seat at the table when decisions like these are being made.
Thank you Maggie Dougherty Capitol News Illinois for taking the time to speak with me and cover this.
You can read the full story here.
Protecting Illinois Families
Diaper Ingredients Transparency and Asthma Medications in Schools
Parents deserve transparency and peace of mind.
I’m proud to have co-sponsored two bipartisan bills that were recently signed into law to better protect Illinois families.
HB 4702 requires diaper manufacturers to disclose ingredients on product packaging, giving parents the information they need to make informed choices.
HB 4247 expands access to emergency asthma medication during school athletic practices and competitions, helping schools respond quickly when every second counts.
As a mom, I know how important it is to trust the products we buy and to know our children are protected while they’re at school. These new laws are practical, commonsense steps that put families first.
I’m grateful to everyone who helped make these bipartisan measures a reality.
FREE Museum Pass Card
We love seeing your adventures! A constituent recently shared this photo from their museum visit after using one of our FREE Museum Pass Cards. It’s wonderful to know the program is helping families explore, learn, and make lasting memories together this summer.
The Museum Pass Card provides admission for up to four people to many of Chicagoland’s premier museums and attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and more.
Whether you’re planning a family adventure, entertaining visiting relatives, or simply looking to explore something new this summer, this pass is a great way to experience some of the region’s top destinations at no cost.
Museum Pass Cards are available to residents of the 26th Senate District on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and reserve your pass, click here.
Join My Summer Reading Program
Just a reminder!
There’s still time for students to join my Summer Reading Program!
Summer is the perfect time to discover new books, explore new adventures, and keep learning while school is out. Students who complete the program will receive a special certificate of recognition celebrating their achievement.
Visit my website for participation requirements, deadlines, and to sign up today. Happy reading
Several New Laws Took Effect on July 1
While most new laws in Illinois take effect on January 1, some measures are scheduled to align with the start of the state’s fiscal year on July 1. When the calendar turned to July 1 this year, 19 new laws took effect (18 from the 104th General Assembly and 1 from the 103rd General Assembly). Additionally, two other bills with January 1 effective dates included provisions for July 1 compliance. New laws with provisions effective July 1 include:
104th General Assembly
SB 90 (P.A. 104-0450): Expands who may request debt offsets through the Comptroller.
HB 111 (P.A. 104-0464): Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.
SB 408 (P.A. 104-0356): Provides that “Student Permanent Record” shall include a summary of performance for students who received special-education services. The records will be confidential.
SB 618 (P.A. 104-0451): Liquor Omnibus Bill. Among other things, it makes the state’s temporary “cocktails-to-go” law permanent.
HB 862 (P.A. 104-0465): Encourages efficiency by dissolving and merging numerous state special funds.
HB 1226 (P.A. 104-0169): Changes the age for when senior drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test when renewing their driver’s license.
SB 1504 (P.A. 104-0107): Helps ensure that all youth leaving the care of the Department of Children and Family Services have been provided the life skills necessary to become successful adults.
SB 1701 (P.A. 104-0118): Clarifies state laws with regard to collective bargaining for police.
SB 1799 (P.A. 104-0393): Amends the School Code to clarify terms and definitions with regard to “emergency situations.”
HB 1863 (P.A. 104-0435): Cleans up the statutes with regard to non-active commissions and advisory boards.
SB 2201 (P.A. 104-0412): Increases transparency to help provide better insight into the challenges and efforts within correctional facilities to manage contraband, support rehabilitation, and address health emergencies.
HB 2386 (P.A. 104-0216): Provides for the issuance of special license plates designated as “Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.”
HB 2517 (P.A. 104-0061): Requires health care workers who provide maternal health care services to participate in a training course that addresses potential maternal health risk factors associated with individuals who are part of a marginalized racial or ethnic group with increased maternal mortality rates.
HB 2801 (P.A. 104-0249): Requires the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to post a public form on its website for organizations to submit science, technology, engineering, arts, and math opportunities. These opportunities can include internships, externships, and volunteer work.
HB 2949 (P.A. 104-0466): Budget Implementation Bill.
HB 2962 (P.A. 104-0256): Creates a new classification of driving permit for multifunction school activity buses that carry up to 15 passengers, including the driver.
SB 3019 (P.A. 104-0468): Revenue Omnibus to Fund the Budget.
HB 3363 (P.A. 104-0300): Establishes a comprehensive State Public Defender system in Illinois and creates an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government.
SB 3365 (P.A. 104-0470): Medicaid Omnibus.
HB 3851 (P.A. 104-0338): Establishes that “cyber-bullying” also includes the posting or distribution of an unauthorized digital replica by electronic means if the posting or distribution creates any of the effects provided in the definition of “bullying,” and provides that bullying may take the form of posting or distributing sexually explicit images.
103rd General Assembly
SB 1 (P.A. 103-0594): Creates the Department of Early Childhood.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
There’s something happening all summer long across the 26th District! I am hosting these events to connect residents with valuable resources, services, educational seminars, family activities, and opportunities to get involved.
📚 Summer Reading Program
April 29 – August 3, 2026
Online Event
July Events
🩸 Blood Drive
July 8 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Wauconda Township, Wauconda
💊 Medicare 101
July 14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
♻️ Recycling & Shredding Event
July 18 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
St. Francis Church Parking Lot, Lake Zurich
August Events
👨👩👧👦 Kids Fair
August 1 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Foglia YMCA, Lake Zurich
🩸 Blood Drive
August 11 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Village Hall, Palatine
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills