SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine will allow victims of human rights violations additional opportunities to seek justice. It allows the Illinois Department of Human Rights to better protect victims by expanding their investigation process.

"Victims of human rights violations may be reluctant to come forward with their claims,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Individuals should have as many avenues as possible to pursue justice and will be able to do so with this new law.”

House Bill 3135 expands IDHR's investigative procedures. In cases concerning housing discrimination, it allows the complainant to petition for temporary housing relief while the judicial proceedings continue. Additionally, it allows IDHR to more thoroughly investigate a possible violation if the Human Rights Commission requests it. Finally, the Attorney General can intervene in civil actions in state or federal court for all complaints. All of these improvements will better support the complainant and provide them more options when pursuing further action on their complaint.

House Bill 3135 was signed into law on Friday. It goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – To further educate young people on the dangers of drug overdose, State Senator Laura Fine led a measure that improves our state’s curriculum on substance abuse for school-age students. This initiative, formerly known as SB 2223, was signed into law on Friday.

“Research has shown that the current school curriculum around substance abuse is insufficient; too many young people are finding themselves in danger of overdose without knowing what they need to do to save their life or help a friend,” said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview). “We need to improve harm reduction strategies to better support young people in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Newborn Screening program will soon scan for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, or MLD, a rare genetic disease, thanks to legislation from State Senator Laura Fine.

“Newborns are tested for a variety of disorders with the Newborn Screening Program so that caregivers can plan to support their child’s treatment quickly,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Including MLD will ensure caregivers of children with MLD are also able to begin their treatment plans as soon as possible.”

MLD is a genetic disorder leading to progressive loss of nervous system function and early death. Currently, MLD is diagnosed through a blood test looking for enzyme deficiency, a urine test or genetic testing. Additional tests can be conducted on those who show progressive symptoms of MLD. While there is no cure for MLD, diagnosing the disease early can lead to treatment options that make a significant difference in the patient’s quality of life.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative from State Senator Laura Fine to ensure reports of abuse or neglect in state-operated developmental centers are thoroughly investigated and addressed was recently signed into law. The legislation intends to address allegations of abuse at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Illinois, where some staff members have been accused and charged with multiple accounts of abuse to patients.

“Residents and loved ones in state-run mental and behavioral health facilities are trusting their providers to not only provide high-quality treatment but to also offer them dignity and respect. We cannot allow violations of these basic human rights to occur without systemic change or justice for the victims,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative ensures employees who take advantage of people in the state’s care will face consequences for their actions, as well as employees who do not report this behavior from their colleagues, further protecting our most vulnerable from abuse and neglect.”

Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center serves patients living with mental and behavioral health concerns and/or developmental disabilities. Some former employees of Choate have been charged with and found guilty of physically or emotionally abusing patients, as well as obstructing official probes and lying to investigators about wrongdoing.