SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman introduced a measure to protect students, teachers and staff from radon exposure by requiring routine testing for all Illinois public schools.

“This legislation builds on previous protections to safeguard Illinoisans from life-threatening radon exposure by reinforcing safety practices for some of our most vulnerable populations – our students,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Establishing regular radon testing in public schools is necessary to mitigate the onset of harmful health complications like lung cancer, with over 21,000 radon-related lung cancer deaths reported in the nation each year.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. Senate Bill 2438 would require all occupied public school buildings to test for radon by Jan. 1, 2029 and at least once every five years afterwards. Additionally, all new public schools would be built using radon-resistant construction techniques in accordance with the American National Standards Institute and the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists.

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s budget address, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued the following statement:

“I am pleased by the Governor’s proposed budget, which not only lays out a clear path toward addressing our state’s fiscal realities, but also prioritizes the key issues that matter most to Illinois residents. This budget recognizes the critical need for fiscal responsibility while ensuring we protect Illinois from harmful policies and overreach from the federal administration.

“As we work toward a balanced budget, it’s crucial that we focus on affordability for working families. I am encouraged by the Governor’s continued commitment to improving access to affordable health care and housing – issues that are vitally important to so many residents. By prioritizing these areas, we take concrete steps toward reducing economic insecurity and making our state a more accessible place to live.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman supported a measure to strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors by streamlining the process to allow firearms to be inaccessible for individuals subject to emergency restraining orders.

“Domestic-related gun violence is a devastating reality that leaves lasting scars on families and communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Adding this layer of protection for those at risk is a critical preventative measure to safeguard the most vulnerable. I’m proud of this bipartisan legislation my colleagues and I have passed to take meaningful action and address this crisis directly. But our work is far from done, and we must remain committed to preventing further harm.”

House Bill 4144, or Karina’s Law, would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Under the bill, law enforcement would be required to remove firearms from individuals whose FOID cards are revoked due to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge’s order. This measure establishes clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application statewide and addressing the risks posed by firearms in domestic violence situations.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced that eight school districts across the 21^st District will receive over $915,000 in additional funding to help alleviate financial challenges.

“Evidence-based funding gives schools the resources and financial backing they need,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These investments are critical in ensuring local schools meet their children’s educational needs.”  

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula – an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.