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.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is applauding a new investment from Mars Snacking that will bring jobs and economic growth to the 5^th District, strengthening the local economy and creating new opportunities for working families.

“This investment is a significant win for our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “When a global company like Mars Snacking chooses to grow right here in our backyard, it means new jobs and long-term confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure and our future.”

Mars Snacking will open a new North America regional office hub in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, with capacity for more than 1,000 jobs. The Accelerator division will also establish a new global office hub in downtown Chicago, taking over the former Kellanova global and North America headquarters.

SPRINGFIELD – As a former youth in care, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to support young people’s transitions to independence by ensuring information about transitional services is communicated to youth in a clear and timely manner.

“Many young people in foster care do not receive the proper support they need to transition into adulthood and have to work that much harder to overcome barriers to simply living their life,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is vital for the state to continue monitoring evidence-based approaches that work for today’s youth, ensuring they have all the support they need to succeed and thrive.”

Under Collins’ bill, Senate Bill 3196, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would be required to consult with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board when developing rules concerning transition planning for youth aging out of care, evaluation of existing programs and identification of new programming to support youth transitions to independence. The SYAB would also advise DCFS on how this information should be communicated to youth in a clear, timely and age-appropriate manner.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined legislators and leaders from the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative at the Capitol on Wednesday to call for a $2.1 million investment to sustain a proven, community-based reentry health model that reduces recidivism and improves access to care for people returning from incarceration.

“We can deliver measurable reductions in recidivism through this program, supporting our neighbors’ health and well-being during their reentry,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works and it saves Illinois residents money. Recidivism costs taxpayers $151,000 per return to prison, so preventing just 14 returns would offset this investment. Supporting these investments translates to savings to the state of Illinois.”

Safer Pathways, a nonprofit affiliated with Safer Foundation, will serve as the backbone entity to sustain the SRNC, which is currently funded by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and family services through the end of 2026. Collins is leading Senate Bills 2847 and 3317 to continue this vital funding.