Welcome to Senator Laura Ellman's Legislative Website

Ellman champions new law aimed at reducing light pollution statewide

SPRINGFIELD – Artificial light at night is estimated to contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year in the U.S., while also disrupting nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, according to the National Audubon Society. State Senator Laura Ellman addressed these impacts with passing a new law aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Senate Bill 3037 is an important step in combating rising costs on energy bills. This law ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers."

Senate Bill 3037 will update the Illinois Energy Efficient Building Act by incorporating ANSI/IES lighting standards into the Illinois Stretch Energy Code for commercial buildings. These nationally recognized standards guide responsible outdoor lighting practices for roadways, pedestrian areas, industrial sites and more.

Artificial light at night interferes with migratory patterns, disorients birds, and alters the behavior of nocturnal species, while also contributing to higher energy costs. SB 3037 will align Illinois with at least 19 other states that have taken steps to reduce light pollution through targeted, energy-efficient lighting policies.

Senate Bill 3037 builds on Ellman’s previous law, which applied similar standards to the Department of Natural Resources, by expanding requirements to all state agencies. By addressing excessive and misdirected artificial light at night, the law aims to improve public health, protect ecosystems, enhance nighttime visibility and reduce unnecessary energy use.

“We are losing our natural cycle of day and night at an alarming rate: 10% annually,” said Adam Kreuzer, delegate for DarkSky International and constituent. “Senate Bill 3037 protects not only the health of migrating birds and nocturnal species; it protects our natural circadian rhythm. Research shows that an artificial day at night significantly affects our personal health.”

Senate Bill 3037 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1.

New Ellman law to modernize prescription drug delivery rules

SPRINGFIELD — To provide greater flexibility for healthcare providers and businesses receiving prescription drug deliveries while maintaining safeguards for controlled substances State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded House Bill 4953, reducing burdens for businesses operating across multiple sites while preserving accountability and safety standards.

“This is a commonsense update that reflects how many health care operations function today,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We can improve efficiency without compromising patient safety or oversight.”

Read more: New Ellman law to modernize prescription drug delivery rules

Ellman law to update CPR training, improve emergency response outcomes

SPRINGFIELD – According to the American Heart Association, women are 27% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, often due to hesitation or misconceptions about performing aid. To address this, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a new law that will improve CPR training in schools statewide.

“When someone’s life is on the line, hesitation can cost everything. More inclusive, realistic CPR training helps people act quickly and save lives,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Students should feel confident stepping in during an emergency, no matter who needs help.”

Read more: Ellman law to update CPR training, improve emergency response outcomes

Ellman law aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman backed a new law aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste.”

Read more: Ellman law aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals