Inclusive Parks Bill Co-Sponsored by Lewis Signed into Law
As an advocate for Illinois’ intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community, I am thrilled to report that beginning in 2027, when state grant dollars become available for local park improvement projects, priority consideration will be given to proposals that incorporate inclusive designs and recreational opportunities for children of all ability levels. Senate Bill 3016, which I was proud to co-sponsor, was signed into law recently by Governor JB Pritzker.
SB 3016 will improve the grant consideration process for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants. Specifically, the new law provides for the prioritization of projects that exceed federal accessibility standards when demand for grant funding exceeds available resources. It does not increase state spending or expand the program. Instead, it directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to give additional consideration to projects that expand accessibility and inclusive recreation opportunities when evaluating grant applications.
Since its creation in 1986, the OSLAD program has awarded approximately $640 million in grants for park acquisition and development projects throughout Illinois. Of the total, several million has been allocated to projects in the 24th District.
Illinois Welcomes the 50th Anniversary National Beep Baseball World Series
Illinois is once again serving as the backdrop for one of the nation’s most inspiring athletic events as the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) celebrates the 50th Anniversary of its World Series. The tournament, taking place August 3–8 at the Stuart Sports Complex in Aurora, is expected to draw more than 600 visually impaired athletes representing 21 teams from across the country, along with hundreds of family members, volunteers, and fans.
The championship is especially meaningful because Beep Baseball traces its roots to Illinois. The NBBA was founded in Chicago in 1976 to provide individuals who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to experience the competition, teamwork, and camaraderie of America’s pastime. Today, the adaptive sport features “beeping” softball and “buzzing” bases, allowing athletes to compete using sound rather than sight in a fast-paced and exciting game.
Hosted by the DuPage Sports Commission and the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the weeklong tournament is expected to feature more than 100 games while also bringing visitors to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. The event showcases the positive impact adaptive sports can have on participants, families, and communities while highlighting Illinois as a welcoming destination for national sporting events.
Admission is free, and spectators are encouraged to attend and experience this unique championship firsthand. The event serves as a reminder that athletics can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities for people of all abilities. Tournament schedules, volunteer opportunities, and additional information are available here.
Lewis Participates in Wheaton Legislative Discussion
It was my honor recently to participate in a legislative update sponsored by the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. We discussed major policy issues in the Illinois General Assembly, including small business-centered economic policy, AI regulation, and government transparency.
I truly enjoy these opportunities to connect with the business leaders who help our communities thrive!
New Statewide School Cell Phone Policy Signed into Law
A new law recently signed into law will require Illinois public schools to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use during the school day while allowing local school districts flexibility in how those policies are implemented. I voted in favor of the bill.
Senate Bill 2427 requires every public school district and charter school to adopt a “bell-to-bell” wireless communication device policy beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
The law generally prohibits students from using personal cell phones and other wireless communication devices during the instructional day, while providing exceptions for medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, emergencies, and teacher-authorized educational activities.
Importantly, local school districts will retain the authority to develop policies that best fit the needs of their students and communities. Districts will determine how devices are securely stored during the school day and establish procedures for implementing the new requirements. The law also prohibits schools from suspending, expelling, or fining students solely for violating the cell phone policy.
I believe that reducing classroom distractions will help improve student focus, increase engagement, and create a better learning environment.
Lewis Hosts Successful Senior Expo; Looks Ahead to Additional Outreach Events
We had a tremendous turnout last week for a Senior Expo in Roselle. More than 200 seniors came through the comprehensive event, which featured over 60 agencies, non-profits, and other organizations that are focused on the needs of seniors. We also collected a lot of non-perishable food and toiletries for the Bloomingdale Township Food Pantry. Thanks to all who participated and donated!
Up next on my outreach calendar is an ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event this week in Warrenville. Over the past few years, I have helped residents of the 24th District recover millions of dollars in unclaimed property and other financial assets. On Wednesday, August 5, State Rep. Amy Grant and I are bringing a mobile team from the Illinois Treasurer’s Office to the Warrenville Park District building to provide residents with a free, convenient opportunity to search the state database and discover assets waiting to be claimed.
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., residents can meet one-on-one with a counselor from the Treasurer’s Office at the Warrenville Park District building to search for unclaimed property, learn about the claims process, and receive assistance filing claims.
The Illinois Treasurer’s Office currently holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property, including dormant bank accounts, insurance payments, utility deposits, stock dividends, and other assets that have been turned over to the state after periods of inactivity.
Additional upcoming events in the 24th District include:
- August 12: IPASS on Demand in Winfield
- August 15: Document Shredding & Food Collection Drive in Carol Stream
- August 20: Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo in Carol Stream
- August 29: Kids Safety Expo in Bloomingdale
You can learn more about these events on the Events page of my website. New events are added regularly, so please visit the site often to remain up to date on outreach events near you.
New Laws Support Illinois Veterans and Service Members
Three new laws have been signed to better support Illinois veterans and service members by making it easier to return to college after military service, strengthening recruitment for the Illinois National Guard, and improving access to mental health resources for veterans. I was proud to support all three of these bills when they came before the Senate.
The new laws include:
- Senate Bill 3737 – Ensures students returning from military leave can be readmitted to Illinois colleges and universities without unnecessary delays, helping them continue their education and work toward earning a degree.
- Senate Bill 3818 – Creates a peer referral program for the Illinois National Guard that encourages current Guard members to recruit qualified individuals, helping strengthen military readiness across the state.
- Senate Bill 3926 – Transfers the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health, providing greater administrative support as the council continues evaluating emerging treatments to help prevent veteran suicide.
All three laws will take effect January 1, 2027.