Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

Ellman bill to protect privacy, modernizing ID gender marker policy

Details: Friday, May 22, 2026 12:06 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – In 2026, over 700 anti-transgender bills have been considered or filed across U.S. state and federal legislatures. To strengthen privacy protections, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing House Bill 5095 to codify Illinois’ existing policy, allowing gender marker updates on IDs through self-attestation.

“People should not have to worry that their personal records or identity documents could suddenly be politicized depending on who is elected,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Transgender individuals face harassment daily head on and are never sure if their own rights are secured. This legislation provides stability, protects privacy, and ensures Illinois continues treating people with respect.”

Ellman spearheads crucial AI companion safety bill to protect youth and vulnerable users

Details: Thursday, May 21, 2026 02:35 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34 in the United States, underscoring growing concerns about the role online platforms and AI systems can play in vulnerable users’ mental health crises. To increase protections aimed at preventing self-harm, State Senator Laura Ellman moved legislation to establish safety standards for artificial intelligence companion chatbots, including sexually explicit interactions with minors.

“For many users, especially children and teens, these systems can feel deeply personal and emotionally real,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “People deserve transparency about when they are interacting with AI, and parents deserve reassurance that companies are taking reasonable steps to protect minors from harmful or sexually explicit content.”

Access to high school coursework for middle schoolers expanded thanks to new Ellman legislation

Details: Thursday, May 21, 2026 12:02 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that more students can get ahead academically while maintaining strong instructional standards, State Senator Laura Ellman advanced House Bill 4239, which would expand access to high school-level coursework for seventh and eighth grade students.

“This is about removing confusion for schools and opening doors for students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “By providing more clarity, we are helping districts confidently offer more opportunities that challenge students and support their long-term success.”

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

Details: Thursday, May 21, 2026 12:02 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded legislation 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.”

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