SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Laura Fine called a press conference on Wednesday to outline crucial legislation that would protect families and curb ICE intimidation by preventing newly hired ICE agents from serving as law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“Police officers occupy positions of public trust. Given widespread concern over ICE’s violent tactics, allowing current ICE agents to police local communities undermines that trust and should be prohibited,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “My district is one of many communities across the state that has repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ICE activity in our neighborhoods, schools, shopping centers and public spaces, and it’s time we take action against threats to public safety.”

The Prohibited Hiring of Federal Immigration Officers Act would prohibit police departments in Illinois from hiring anyone who was employed by ICE as a federal immigration officer between Jan. 20, 2025 and Jan. 20, 2029 as a law enforcement officer.

SPRINGFIELD – Patients can expect improved transparency about their health insurance plans in the new year under a law championed by State Senator Laura Fine that goes into effect Jan. 1.

“Access to critical information like changes to health care plans can make a significant difference for families’ financial planning,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This new law ensures patients are informed of state laws that could affect their benefits.”

Currently, health insurance providers must give enrollees and potential enrollees a list of in-network providers and a description of the terms of their plan’s coverage each year.

SPRINGFIELD – Working mothers who pump breastmilk for their infants deserve proper workplace accommodations. Come Jan. 1, a new law led by State Senator Laura Fine will require employers to provide paid break time for pumping breastmilk.

“Working women often lack proper maternity resources, leaving them unsupported upon returning to work. This law empowers moms to balance their professional responsibilities while caring for their infants,” said Fine (D-Glenview).

Under the new law, employees’ time for pumping breastmilk has to be paid and employees cannot be required to use their own paid leave during these breaks.

SPRINGFIELD – To protect infants from exposure to toxic heavy metals, State Senator Laura Fine spearheaded a new law requiring testing of baby food products for these toxins on Jan. 1.

“Parents should never have to worry that the food they give their children could harm their health,” said Fine. “By establishing mandatory testing and transparency between manufacturers and consumers, this law gives parents peace of mind about the contents of the baby food they’re purchasing.”

Under Fine’s law, manufacturers must test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – every month and disclose this information directly on the product’s website.