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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.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to announce eight libraries in the 5^th District will be receiving over $600,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Libraries are community hubs that bring people from all walks of life together and provide valued services for so many folks across the district,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These grants will improve literacy programs and increase accessible workforce development programs right here in our communities.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for students and help schools identify concerning behavior before it escalates, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law improves reporting requirements, reinforces professional boundaries between educators and students and increases transparency regarding school misconduct policies.

“We have to recognize and understand the warning signs before a child is harmed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law, schools will establish clear boundaries and professional standards between all students and staff, provide training and give educators the ability to identify and report troubling behavior.”

Collins’ law, House Bill 4534, expands protections for children in schools by redefining patterns of grooming behavior as a form of abuse under state law. The law also requires 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.

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

“Many families find themselves without appropriate facilities in public spaces and are forced to cut outings short or skip them altogether,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this law we can give those families the facilities needed to live in our communities and participate without additional stress of wondering whether facilities are available.”

Collins’ new law, House Bill 4379, will 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.