This week, I’m back in Springfield continuing my work on legislation that strengthens our communities and supports families across Illinois. After testifying last week on my diaper tax bill (SB3869), I will be presenting three additional pieces of legislation in committee this week focused on school safety, emergency preparedness, and DCFS transparency.
These bills include efforts to improve the role of school resource officers (SB 2788), expand CPR training access and readiness (HB 2190), and strengthen accountability in DCFS by improving final written notifications of determinations (HB 4242).
Each of these proposals is rooted in the same goal: making sure our systems are safer, more transparent, and better equipped to protect children and families.
Topics below include:
- Ending Taxes on Diapers in Illinois
- Successful Job Fair Connecting Residents to Opportunity
- Upcoming Mental Health Fair
- Happy Teacher Appreciation Week
- Constituents at the Capitol
- Legislation to Strengthen Online Protections for Children
- Illinois Must Prioritize Public Safety and Support Law Enforcement
- Court Upholds Madigan Conviction, Reinforcing Accountability in Public Service
- Darby’s District Highlight – Palatine Food Scrap Drop-Off Site
Ending Taxes on Diapers in Illinois
Did you know nearly 1 in 2 households with young children experience diaper insecurity? That is the reality for families across Illinois.
Yesterday, I testified in the Revenue Committee on SB 3869. I filed this bill to eliminate the sales tax on infant, child, and adult diapers because diapers are not a luxury, they are a basic necessity for babies, children, and adults who rely on them for medical needs.
No parent should have to choose between diapers and paying their bills. I will continue working to lower costs and support Illinois families.
Thank you, Takesha Newsome and Brendan Kitt, for sharing your powerful testimony in committee as well.
A Successful Job Fair Connecting Residents to Opportunity
I love hosting events like this because they are about making sure our community has real access to the tools and connections needed to succeed. I sincerely thank every employer and organization that participated for their time and resources in supporting local residents. We had more than 30 vendors join us, ready to connect with job seekers, share open opportunities, and help people take the next step in their careers.
I also want to thank everyone who came out and made the event such a success. We had over 250 people attend!
It was encouraging to see so many people engaging with opportunities, getting help with resumes, and taking proactive steps toward their future.
Job seekers can register at www.illinoisjoblink.com to receive email updates on upcoming job fairs and other local hiring events in their community. The site also features current job openings to help connect individuals with available opportunities.
Additionally, job seekers can explore the IDES Events Calendar for more information on job fairs, workshops, and workforce development events across Illinois.
Upcoming Mental Health Fair
I am excited to invite you to join me for my Community Mental Health Fair, where we’ll bring together local providers, organizations, and resources all in one place to support the mental health and well-being of individuals and families across our community.
Her goal is to make it easier for you to connect with the help and information you may need, whether for yourself, a loved one, or someone you care about. This is a welcoming, judgment-free space to ask questions, learn about available services, and take an important step toward prioritizing mental health and building a stronger, healthier community together.
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
What Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Mundelein Park & Recreation District at 1401 N. Midlothian Rd. Mundelein, IL 60060
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the educators across our state who work every day to support and inspire our students.
Teachers do more than teach lessons, they shape futures, build confidence, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Their dedication, patience, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
Thank you to all of our teachers for the vital work you do for our communities and our children.
Constituents at the Capitol
I was glad to meet with Wendy Mills, Village of Island Lake Trustee, to discuss the needs and priorities of her community. We talked about local concerns, opportunities for collaboration, and ways state and local government can work together more effectively to support residents. I appreciate Trustee Mills taking the time to share her perspective and advocate on behalf of Island Lake.
Legislation to Strengthen Online Protections for Children
I am supporting a legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for children online as concerns continue to grow about the risks young people face in today’s digital environment.
Children today are spending more time online than ever before, and many families have raised concerns about social media, harmful content, and the collection of personal data from minors. This legislative package is focused on creating stronger safeguards and holding online platforms more accountable.
The proposals include Senate Bill 4046, which would limit social media access for children under 16; Senate Bill 3454, which increases transparency around how social media algorithms recommend content; Senate Bill 2082, which would require age verification for websites containing explicit material; and Senate Bill 3241, which strengthens privacy protections for minors online.
The goal is to ensure policies keep pace with technology while giving families better tools to help protect children online.
Illinois Must Prioritize Public Safety and Support Law Enforcement
The tragic death of Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran of the department, and the critical injury of another officer, a 21-year CPD veteran currently being treated at Illinois Masonic Medical Center, is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day to keep our communities safe.
As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is that our justice system protects both due process and public safety. In the wake of this tragedy, I believe Illinois must take a serious look at gaps in the SAFE-T Act and whether our current pretrial system is doing enough to protect the public and support law enforcement.
We have seen too many cases across Illinois where individuals on pretrial release have gone on to commit additional crimes. That is deeply concerning for families, communities, and the officers who put themselves on the line every day.
That is why I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 4195, legislation that would require detention for individuals on pretrial release who are charged with committing a new felony offense.
Public safety should never be an afterthought. We can support a fair justice system while also ensuring there are meaningful consequences for repeat violent offenders.
I will continue advocating for policies that prioritize the safety of our communities.
Court Upholds Madigan Conviction, Reinforcing Accountability in Public Service
The federal appeals court decision to uphold the corruption conviction of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is an important reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful or well connected they may be.
For far too long, Illinois politics has been overshadowed by corruption and backroom deals that have damaged the public’s trust in government. Families across our state deserve leaders who are honest, transparent, and focused on serving the people, not protecting political insiders or personal interests.
When public officials abuse the trust placed in them, there must be accountability. This ruling sends a clear message that corruption will not be ignored and that public office should never be used for personal or political gain.
As your State Senator, I believe restoring trust in government starts with ethical leadership, transparency, and putting taxpayers first. The people of Illinois deserve a government that works with integrity and remains accountable to the communities it serves.
Darby’s District Highlight – Palatine Food Scrap Drop-Off Site
I’m glad to see the Village of Palatine launching a free food scrap drop-off site for residents. This is a simple but meaningful way to help families reduce waste and take part in more sustainable practices.
Residents now have access to bright green food scrap carts that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, located on the west side of the Village’s Public Works facility at 148 W. Illinois Avenue.
I appreciate efforts like this that make it easier for people to do their part in keeping our communities clean and environmentally responsible.
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