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SPRINGFIELD — Disability insurance helps protect people from financial losses if an accident or illness renders them incapable of working and receiving regular income. However, disability insurance plans do not always treat mental health conditions the same as physical health conditions. To help those struggling with mental health conditions, State Senator Mattie Hunter led a new law to ensure insurance providers properly disclose mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes.

“Mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes is discriminatory and unfairly limits the economic protection that disability insurance is intended to promise,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Insurance providers need to be up front with their customers about how their policy treats mental health disorders.”

Hunter’s law requires private health insurers to disclose to consumers seeking a policy that includes whether the policy limits the duration of coverage for mental health or substance use disorders. The law also give consumers the right to request more information about the limitation and other coverage options that include unlimited duration, if available. 

The Department of Insurance found that 68% of disability insurance plans offered in Illinois limit mental health and substance use disorder benefits. 

Senate Bill 1327 was signed into law Friday.

CHICAGO – To recognize and honor the history and legacy of Emmett Till, State Senators Mattie Hunter and Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a newly signed law to honor July 25 of each year as Emmett Till Day in Illinois.

“Emmett Till’s story is a painful chapter in our nation’s history, but it is one we must continue to remember and teach,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing Emmett Till Day, we honor his life, the courage of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley and the generations of advocates who have fought for justice and equality.”

House Bill 4323 designates July 25 as Emmett Till Day in Illinois, recognizing Till’s life and legacy and acknowledging the significance of his death in the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Till’s story remains deeply connected to Illinois and serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains in the pursuit of racial justice.

At just 14 years old, Emmett Till was abducted, tortured and lynched in Mississippi after being falsely accused of interacting with a white woman. His murder and the decision by his mother to publicly display the brutality of the crime galvanized the civil rights movement and awakened the conscience of the nation.

“Emmett Till’s legacy represents both the pain and power of our history and the ongoing fight for racial justice,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “As we teach our children and grandchildren about Emmett Till, let July 25 serve as an opportunity to remember our truth, demand justice and find strength in his life, story and memory.”

House Bill 4323 was signed into law Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans are one step closer to knowing the cosmetics on their bathroom shelves won’t make them sick long term thanks to a new from State Senator Mattie Hunter to ban such items from containing polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

“For too long, the cosmetics industry has operated without the kind of oversight we apply to food, medicine and drinking water,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We are closing that gap and putting Illinois at the forefront of a national movement to hold manufacturers accountable for what goes into their products and onto our skin.”

House Bill 3409 makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture or sell a cosmetic product that contains any of 11 specifically named harmful chemicals or 13 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – also known as “forever chemicals” – that were intentionally added during the product's formulation.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in manufacturing that do not break down in the environment or the human body. Prolonged exposure has been linked to a range of serious health outcomes, including certain cancers, hormonal disruption and immune system damage. Despite growing scientific consensus on the dangers of these substances, they remain present in a wide range of personal care and beauty products.

“Illinois consumers deserve to know the products they put on their bodies every day are safe,” said Hunter. “This law sends a clear message to the cosmetics industry: if you want to sell in Illinois, your products must meet the health and safety standards our families deserve.”

House Bill 3409 was signed into law Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget:

“The 3rd District is proud to be home to St. Bernard and Insight Hospitals – institutions that deliver compassionate, quality, accessible care to our neighbors every day. This budget makes a clear commitment to safety net hospitals across our district and throughout the state, ensuring residents can get the care they need, when they need it.

“It also delivers much-needed recognition for direct support professionals – the dedicated workers who are essential to the dignity and wellbeing of our seniors. Additionally, by continuing to invest in mental health services, we are fulfilling our obligation to a community that deserves more than a patchwork of resources – but rather deserves a reliable safety net. This budget delivers that."