I hope you enjoyed your weekend. Things are really picking up at the Capitol as we head into the fifth week of session. Thank you for staying informed, and I look forward to sharing more about what we’ve been working on this week.
This week’s topics include:
- Stronger Protections for Students Following Sexual Assaults in Schools
- Darby’s District Highlight – GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have A Voice” Gala
- Mundelein Park & Recreation District Legislative Breakfast
- Pressure Mounts in Springfield as Indiana Courts the Bears
- You Asked, We Acted – Expanding the Definition of a Veteran
- Constituents at the Capitol
- Red at the Capitol for American Heart Month
Senator Hills Co-Sponsored Legislation for Stronger Protections for Students Following Sexual Assaults in Schools
My colleagues and I are backing legislation to strengthen protections for students and ensure tougher consequences for sexual assault in schools.
I co-sponsored Senate Bill 2991, which would require a student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault to be expelled for at least one year if the incident occurs at school, during a school-sponsored activity or event, or at any activity that has a reasonable relationship to school.
Supporters say the legislation is needed to better protect victims and hold offenders accountable. The proposal follows a troubling case in Illinois in which a young girl was sexually assaulted at school, yet the attacker was neither suspended nor expelled, despite admitting to the offense. According to the victim’s parents, they were forced to repeatedly seek court-issued orders of protection to keep their daughter safe.
The measure would align school responses to sexual assault with existing Illinois laws regarding weapons in schools. Under current statutes, students who bring a deadly weapon to school are subject to a mandatory one-year expulsion.
Senate Bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee.
Darby’s District Highlight: GiGi’s Playhouse “I Have A Voice” Gala
My staff and I were honored to attend the record-breaking 2026 National “I Have a Voice” Gala, an inspiring event hosted by GiGi’s Playhouse that celebrates and supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The gala helps raise awareness, promotes acceptance, and supports programs that provide educational, therapeutic, and community resources to help transform lives.
Thank you to GiGi for the invitation to be part of a night that truly uplifts voices and advances meaningful impact.
Mundelein Park & Recreation District Legislative Breakfast
Thank you to the Mundelein Park & Recreation District for hosting a strong and productive Legislative Breakfast!
It was great to sit down with leaders from municipal, county, state, and park districts to talk through the legislation moving this spring and what it means for our local communities. Our park districts are cornerstones for families, seniors, and kids across our region, and those voices deserve to be heard as decisions are made in Springfield.
I appreciate the direct conversations and the partnership as we work to get it right for the people we represent.
Pressure Mounts in Springfield as Indiana Courts the Bears
Like many Illinoisans, I strongly believe the Bears belong in our state. The franchise is part of our history, our culture, and our identity. Illinois has the population, the fan base, and the infrastructure to support the team long-term.
At the same time, this situation reflects the broader affordability and competitiveness challenges facing Illinois. With property taxes rising, utility bills increasing, and the cost of doing business remaining high, we must focus on strengthening our business climate so families and employers feel confident staying and investing here.
I remain hopeful the Bears will stay in Illinois, and I will continue working toward policies that make our state stronger, more competitive, and more attractive for businesses and families alike.
You Asked, We Acted – Expanding the Definition of a Veteran
After hearing from constituents, including Colonel Michael Peck and local veteran groups, I worked to expand the definition of a veteran for state preference benefits.
Senate Bill 3077 provides that a veteran is eligible for a 5-point hiring preference if they completed at least three years of active service, consecutive or non-consecutive, including service in the Illinois National Guard in service to the State of Illinois, including training or other duties. This change ensures more veterans who have served our state and country are recognized for their service.
SB 3077 has been referred to assignments. You can follow the bill status here.
Constituents at the Capitol
It was great to welcome the Illinois Prevention Network for a Drug Free America to the Capitol. Students from across Illinois, including some from Stevenson High School, came to Springfield to engage in the legislative process, learn how laws are made, and share their voices on the importance of keeping our communities drug free.
I am always encouraged to see young people take an active role in shaping the future of our state. Thank you for your advocacy and for standing up for safe, healthy communities across Illinois.
I enjoyed meeting with members of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists during their Lobby Day at the Capitol. Thank you for sharing your priorities and for the work you do to support patient care across Illinois.
I was glad to visit with students from the University of Illinois System during their Lobby Day. It’s always great hearing from the next generation of leaders about the issues that matter most to them.
Red at the Capitol for American Heart Month
We were all in red at the Capitol last week for American Heart Month. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for women, and this month is all about awareness, prevention, and encouraging women to know their risk and take care of their heart health.
Learn more about American Heart Month and healthy living by visiting the American Heart Association.
Spring 2026 Internship Opportunity
I am pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Spring 2026 Internship Program!
Last summer, we had a wonderful group of interns in our district office. It was a great experience getting to work alongside students who were eager to learn, serve their community, and gain real world experience in public service. Seeing their growth and enthusiasm made me even more excited to continue this program.
Please see the flyer below for more information.
——
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