New Ellman law protects Illinois renters from radon

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois renters will be further protected from radon thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Ellman that took effect Jan. 1.

“This law builds on protections for Illinois renters by establishing safety practices and reinforcing their rights in order to feel secure,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Preemptive measures against radon exposure are necessary to decrease the onset of its harmful effects, including radon-related lung cancer.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. House Bill 2217 establishes a timeframe for tenants to terminate their lease should the dwelling unit exceed radon limits. Moreover, landlords are required to provide tenants with a disclosure form and related documents to inform them of the risks of radon and their legal rights. The new law enhances renter protection by providing a tenant 90 days to conduct their own radon test of the dwelling unit and the right to evenly split any mitigation costs with consent from the lessor.

“Renters now have the option to perform their own radon tests in the event their residence exceeds radon limits,” said Ellman. “With early detection, Illinois renters can seek mitigations that will safeguard their homes.”

House Bill 2217 took effect Jan. 1.

Six school districts to receive over $20,000 in library grants thanks to Ellman

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Laura Ellman, six school districts in the Naperville area have received over $20,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“School libraries offer many necessary services to students, and the resources we give to them are put back into our community,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Funding our school libraries helps foster an enriching learning environment and provides students of all ages with access to modern learning tools.”

Funding for School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

The following school districts in Ellman’s district received a total of $28,830:

• Community Consolidated School District 89 - $1,857
• Glen Ellyn School District 41 - $2,831
• Glenbard Township High School District 87 - $6,683
• Lisle Community Unit District 202 - $1,239
• Lombard Elementary School District 44 - $2,471
• Naperville Community Unit School District 203 - $13,746

Read more: Six school districts to receive over $20,000 in library grants thanks to Ellman

Ellman announces North Central College will receive funding to address student homelessness

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman announced that North Central College will receive $129,992 to address student homelessness and help provide necessities many students lack.

“Students have an important role in our society — they carry the torch for future generations,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “North Central College will now be able to address the needs of its most vulnerable students so they can be strong leaders and learners.”

The End Student Housing Insecurity grants were awarded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and will be used to support ongoing efforts to address systemic causes of student homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. North Central College is one of 10 institutions chosen by the IBHE.

The grants were awarded by a competitive application process based on the school’s ability to address primary causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity, and to help students overcome barriers to graduation. The $129,992 investment to North Central College is just one step in the state’s higher education plan to close equity gaps for students.

“Student success should not be mitigated by food insecurity or factors related to homelessness,” said Ellman. “This grant will ensure students’ well-being and gives them the opportunity to succeed.”

For more information on the End Student Housing Insecurity grants, click here.

Ellman law requires Fentanyl education in all Illinois high schools starting this year

SPRINGFIELD – At the start of the 2024-2025 school year, every state-required health course will provide mandatory fentanyl education to high school students, thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Ellman that took effect Jan. 1.

“In order to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on all fronts, we need to educate our most vulnerable populations, which includes young people,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The age of fentanyl exposure is younger than we think, and I am pleased this law implements such indispensable education for students.”

House Bill 3924 requires health courses for high school students in each school district to educate them on the dangers of fentanyl and fentanyl contamination through instruction, study and discussion.

“The increase in opioid-related deaths each year signals to Illinoisans that more underlying issues need to be addressed,” said Ellman. “In the next school year, students across the state will begin to learn more about fentanyl addiction, which can empower them to set a healthier example for others and hopefully lead to fewer overdoses and deaths.”

House Bill 3924 took effect Jan. 1.