SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to recruit and retain women in technology, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a law establishing a task force to review data and recommend changes within the state.

“Women from my district worked diligently on this legislation, and I am very proud their efforts helped lead to its successful passage,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This law reflects our dedication to bolstering our modern workforce with equitable standards and giving equal opportunities to women who help us advance in technology.”

Ellman’s law creates the Women in Technology Task Force to study the recruitment and retention of women in technology positions by collecting and evaluating data, identifying best practices and recommending policies to recruit, advance and retain women in technology positons. The task force will deliver a final report to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 1, 2028.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address critical water issues across the state and enhance current protections to fulfill existing water needs, State Senator Laura Ellman championed a law to create the State Water Plan Task Force.

“Over time, contaminants in our waterways pose serious health risks to communities and wildlife,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We need to ensure existing and future water concerns are addressed consequentially without any delays.”

This law requires the State Water Plan Task Force to address water issues and reevaluate environmental needs by assisting state and local authorities in the implementation of recommended plans. Further, it requires the task force to publish a State Water Plan at least once every 10 years and meet once per quarter each calendar year.

SPRINGFIELD – Enhancing mitigation efforts for the opioid crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman spearheaded a law to expand access to free fentanyl test strips.

“Opioids, including fentanyl, are responsible for a majority of overdose-related deaths across the state, and it is our responsibility to ensure residents have resources to protect themselves,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This law will help prevent unexpected overdoses due to fentanyl-laced substances.”

The new law establishes and authorizes programs to distribute fentanyl test strips to promote harm reduction efforts and prevent overdoses. Fentanyl test strips can be used to detect the presence of fentanyl in a variety of substances, as fentanyl can be easily disguised and difficult to see with the naked eye.

SPRINGFIELD – To reduce light pollution in Illinois’ dark skies, State Senator Laura Ellman sponsored a law to advance responsible outdoor lighting standards.

“Light pollution is not as often discussed as other forms of environmental contamination, but excess artificial light poses serious health threats to animals, insects and humans,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources brings us closer to making Illinois dark sky compliant, and I look forward to expanding these standards.”

Light pollution refers to the brightening of the night sky by man-made light sources, including street lights and buildings. Excessive light in our night sky causes a variety of issues, such as interfering with bird migration, nocturnal insects and our optical health.