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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 – As Illinois reaches a new milestone in eliminating medical debt, State Senator Lakesia Collins is highlighting the impact of the state’s Medical Debt Relief Program, which has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents.

“Too many families have experienced the stress of unexpected medical bills that make it harder to keep up with everyday expenses,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Access to necessary health care should never come at the expense of a family’s financial security. By lifting this burden, we are helping Illinois residents regain stability and giving them an opportunity to focus on their futures.”

Established in 2024, Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Program is operated in partnership with a national nonprofit organization that purchases and eliminates medical debt for residents experiencing financial hardship. Eligible residents receive relief automatically through the program.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is encouraging residents and eligible families in the 5^th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to combat rising energy prices.

“Every family deserves to feel secure in their home without worrying about whether they can afford to keep the heat on,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “LIHEAP provides critical assistance to households struggling with energy costs, and I encourage eligible residents to apply and take advantage of this important resource.”

The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 – utilizes a priority application system to ensure that families most in need can apply first. All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with the eligible income thresholds can be found here.

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.