Measure to clarify ephedrine prescription exemptions passes the Senate, thanks to Ellman

SPRINGFIELD – Establishing transparent guidelines for prescriptions, State Senator Laura Ellman passed a measure out of the Senate to give patients and pharmacies clarity regarding restrictions on medication containing ephedrine.

“People with common health issues like allergies or low blood pressure may need ephedrine medication and might not have any alternative treatment options,” said Ellman. “Both providers and patients are at risk of violating existing restrictions on ephedrine medications due to a lack of clarity within current law.”

To reduce the chance of abuse as a stimulant, ephedrine products are currently prohibited from being advertised in Illinois if they are labeled as enhancing stimulation, mental alertness, weight loss, appetite control, muscle enhancement, or energy. House Bill 2874 would ensure the law is clear that these restrictions do not apply to ephedrine medications that have been prescribed by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical reason.

Read more: Measure to clarify ephedrine prescription exemptions passes the Senate, thanks to Ellman

Ellman advances measure to grant high school credits to middle school students

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman advanced a measure out of the Senate to ensure middle school students have the option to earn high school credit for high school level courses.

“Our students deserve support every step along their academic career paths,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Middle school students working toward the next educational milestone need the attention, care and resources that ensure proper consideration of their academic abilities.”

Under current Illinois law, middle school students are able to receive credit for high school level courses, as long as the course is offered by the high school in the student’s district and the instructor holds a professional educator license and is endorsed for the grade level and content area of the course.

Read more: Ellman advances measure to grant high school credits to middle school students

Ellman joins advocates at rally for safe firearm storage

SPRINGFIELD – Leading efforts to promote responsible gun ownership and enhance public safety in Illinois, State Senator Laura Ellman outlined legislation at a press conference on Tuesday, joined by One Aim Illinois Advocacy, survivors of gun violence, and advocates encouraging safe gun storage.

 “Unsecured firearms in homes pose serious risks, including unintentional shootings and suicides,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has seen climbing numbers of firearm-related tragedies involving youth accessing unsecure guns, and our state has a clear need to prioritize preventive efforts.”

Studies consistently link unsecured, lost, and stolen firearms to suicides, unintentional shootings, mass shootings, and escalating crime. Nearly 54% of gun owners do not securely lock all of their firearms, and in 75% of school shootings, the shooter obtained the gun from a parent or relative. An estimated 82% of adolescent firearm suicides involve a family member’s gun.

Read more: Ellman joins advocates at rally for safe firearm storage

Parks Passport 2025

Explore the 21^st Senate District park-by-park this summer! Stop by the district office for a copy of our parks passport or feel free to download the Parks Passport 2025 and print at home. Track your visits and bring us your completed passport for a fun prize. Happy exploring!