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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Collins’ new law, Senate Bill 1563, clarifies the state’s eviction law to ensure nothing about the eviction process keeps law enforcement from enforcing criminal laws. This change clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” said Collins. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.”

Senate Bill 1563 was signed on Monday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD – Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers could soon have access to safe, accessible facilities under a measure sponsored by State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“Too many families are forced to cut outings short or avoid public spaces altogether because appropriate facilities simply are not available,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps ensure individuals with disabilities can participate more fully in community life with dignity, safety and support they deserve.”

House Bill 4379 would expand Illinois’ Equitable Restrooms Act by requiring certain newly constructed public buildings and state-owned facilities to provide access to adult changing stations. Adult changing stations provide a safe, sanitary space for caregivers assisting older children and adults with disabilities who require personal care support.

SPRINGFIELD – To help Illinois residents access treatment for conditions like cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome and other endocrine disorders, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced a measure that would require health insurance plans to cover up to a six-month supply of prescription hormone therapy.

“Too many people face unnecessary barriers when trying to stay on a treatment plan that supports their health and well-being,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps ensure patients can access the medication they need without worrying about frequent trips to the pharmacy, insurance hurdles or disruptions in care.”

Collins’ measure, House Bill 5492, would require health insurance plans to cover up to a six-month supply of prescription hormone therapy and any necessary supplies for self-administration when prescribed by a health care provider and dispensed at one time. By allowing patients to receive a longer supply of medication at once, the measure aims to reduce interruptions in treatment and make it easier for individuals to maintain consistent care.

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins advanced legislation to improve reporting requirements, reinforce professional boundaries between educators and students and increase transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“Preventing abuse starts with recognizing the warning signs before a child is harmed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This measure helps schools establish clear professional boundaries between staff and students, strengthens training requirements and ensures educators understand how to identify and report concerning behavior.”

Through Collins’ legislation, House Bill 4534, protections for children in schools would be expanded by redefining patterns of grooming behavior as a form of abuse under state law. The measure would also require school districts, charter schools and private schools to maintain and publicly post employee professional conduct policies, provide clear methods for reporting staff-student boundary violations, and establish expectations between school employees and students.