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 – To ensure all youth in foster care have a pathway toward independence, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will establish a lifelong process of ensuring that youth in care are provided the opportunities to succeed.

“As someone who has been a foster child and experienced the hardships that come with that, we have to create pathways for children to succeed,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This bill requires DCFS to come up with a plan that provides learning opportunities and growth to foster care children and requires them to come up with a plan to push them on the path to independence.”

Senate Bill 1504 makes changes to the Children and Family Services Act to require the preparation of adolescents to successfully transition to adulthood.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins wants to encourage residents to apply for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offering training opportunities while expanding the talent pipeline that boosts diversity in the construction and trade industries.

“Our tradesfolk are vital parts of our community and we have to make sure people have access to educational opportunities that allow them to participate in trades,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works to get residents foot in the door and to give them educational opportunities to grow within a trades industry.”

This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans and women in the construction trades. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.

CHICAGO – Deep Tech Innovation Lab at mHUB is set to receive nearly $600,000 to support entrepreneurship and innovation, thanks to strong support from State Senator Lakesia Collins.

“When we invest in tech hubs, we are investing in the key industries of the future for our communities,” said Collins (D-Chicago).  “The 5^th District has a strong presence in innovation and entrepreneurship, and this funding will make critical advancements in the tech industry while growing our economy.”

Through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant Program, a total of $7 million in grant funding was awarded to four grantees in an effort to grow industries around the state. The TIEG Program was designed to modernize and revitalize tech incubators across Illinois to meet the evolving needs of startups. The initiative aims to support the transformation of tech spaces fostering an ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and resilience.