SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine has championed a new law to strengthen employee protections by clarifying unlawful labor practices related to workplace harassment and discrimination.

“We can only strengthen Illinois’ workforce and attract new talent when workers are guaranteed a fair and respectful environment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Those who experience or witness harassment or discrimination must feel safe and supported when coming forward.”

Building on existing protections against workplace discrimination and harassment, Fine’s law includes crucial safeguards in the workplace by prohibiting employers from imposing unlawful restrictions on their employees through workplace confidentiality agreements.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure consumers are clearly informed about any changes to their insurance coverage, State Senator Laura Fine has introduced a new law to improve transparency in health insurance plans.

“Educating people about legislative mandates that may affect their coverage helps them make informed financial and medical decisions,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “To ensure their health care needs are adequately met, enrollees must have access to this vital information.”

Senate Bill 1346 expands transparency in two crucial ways. First, the law requires insurers to provide a benefits information card indicating whether the plan is regulated by the state Department of Insurance. This helps consumers know whom to contact if they encounter issues with their coverage. Second, this law expands the list of required information provided to enrollees to include any newly enacted state coverage mandates. The Illinois Department of Insurance will be required to post an annual report on its website with this information.

SPRINGFIELD – Building on her previous work establishing robust standards for Illinois carbon capture projects, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law to further enhance protections for property owners.

“Over the past few years, I have worked to ensure landowners are compensated fairly when their land is used to carbon capture and sequestration projects,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “We must have the strongest protections available as this industry continues to grow.”

Expanding on Senator Fine’s 2024 law that set environmental safety requirements at each stage of the carbon capture process, this new law strengthens protections for property owners. The law allows for the recovery of attorney’s fees if a sequestration site landowner prevails in a lawsuit for damages to surface property. Additionally, the law sets forth compensation provisions for owners of land above the underground pore space that is used to store carbon.

SPRINGFIELD – Protecting young children from toxic heavy metal exposure is essential to preventing future developmental delays. To address this, State Senator Laura Fine passed a law requiring baby food to be tested for toxic metals and providing parents with information about the safety of their infant’s food.

“Parents deserve the confidence that the food they’re giving their baby is safe and nutritious,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law provides that peace of mind by ensuring baby food is thoroughly tested and that manufacturers follow clear safety standards.”

Fine’s law requires manufacturers to test samples of their baby food products for toxic elements – such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury – and disclose this information directly on the product’s website. The information must include the name and level of each toxic heavy metal found in the food, the product name, and a link to the FDA’s website with information about the health risks of toxic heavy metal exposure for children. Links to this information must also be easily accessible on the products themselves, through a QR code.