Senator Seth Lewis’ September Newsletter

First-of-Its-Kind Disability Resource & Job Placement Fair Coming to 24^th District!

Advocating for Illinoisans with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities (IDD) has always been incredibly important to me, and I am excited to announce that on Thursday, September 18, I will partner with State Representatives Amy Grant and Jennifer Sanalitro in hosting a resource and job placement expo specifically designed for the IDD community.

Over 50 agencies, non-profits, and businesses that focus on the needs of the IDD community will all be under one roof for this first-of-its-kind event in the 24^th District. As you view the flyer, please note that the participants with a star next to their names can help visitors with job placement in the community.

In addition, a wide variety of useful information will also be available about specific services that may be of interest, and three different workshops/presentations will also be offered to those attending the event.

My staff and I are in the process of putting the final touches on what promises to be an amazing event! For additional information about this free event tailored to our IDD community, please call my office at (630) 349-0645, or email Julie at jlmceinc@aol.com.

You can click here to access a printable version of the flyer. Please share this information with anyone you know who would be interested in attending this event!

 

Senator Seth Lewis’ Motorcycle Safety Bill Signed Into Law

I am pleased to announce that legislation I sponsored this year to expand and improve motorcycle safety training in Illinois has officially been signed into law. Senate Bill 2075, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly with unanimous support earlier this year, aims to make motorcycle safety courses more accessible, affordable, and effective across the state.

Until now, Illinois had only one official Cycle Rider Safety Training Center, located at Southern Illinois University, leaving many motorcyclists with limited or no access to certified training. While some dealerships offer courses, there was no consistent statewide standard for curriculum, cost, or instructor qualifications.

Senate Bill 2075 addresses these gaps by:

• Granting the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) authority to develop standardized training curricula and accredit courses
• Expanding the number and geographic reach of training centers
• Establishing clear certification and qualification requirements for instructors
• Setting a minimum age of 16 for training program enrollment

 

The law was developed in collaboration with A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Illinois, whose members raised concerns about the limited availability of formal training. Many riders have previously relied on self-teaching or informal instruction, increasing risk to themselves and others.

This new law is a major step forward for road safety in Illinois. By expanding access to training centers and creating consistent statewide standards, we’re ensuring that more riders can get the instruction they need to stay safe, and that benefits everyone on the road. I am proud to help the State of Illinois lead by example through the passage of this bipartisan piece of legislation. The provisions take effect on January 1, 2026.

 

Senior Drivers Bill Signed into Law

Legislation I co-sponsored this year that ends discriminatory and antiquated driving test requirement for seniors has been signed into law.

House Bill 1226 eliminates the automatic behind-the-wheel driving test rule for drivers aged 79-87 in Illinois. Currently, drivers aged 79 and 80 must take a driving test whenever their four-year license is due for renewal. For drivers aged 81-86, they must retake the driving test every two years, and after the age of 87, driving tests are required annually.

The provisions of HB 1226 would bring Illinois’ driving laws in line with senior driving regulations in other states. It includes the following provisions:

• Drivers aged 79 and 80 would still be required to visit a DMV facility if they need to renew their driver’s license and take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
• Drivers between the ages of 81-86 would still be required to visit a DMV facility to renew their license every two years and would have to take a vision test (and a written test if they have a driving violation on their record) but would not have to take a behind-the-wheel test.
• Rules for drivers aged 87 and older would remain the same, with a behind-the-wheel driving test and vision test required annually.

 

A key provision of the new law allows family members to file a request with the Secretary of State’s office that their loved one still take a behind-the-wheel test. The provisions of the bill take effect on July 1, 2026.

 

Events Calendar Offers Something for Everyone!

My fall events calendar is filling up with a variety of outreach events, and I have worked hard with my staff to ensure we are offering something for everyone. Just last week we held a successful ICASH/Unclaimed Property Event in Warrenville and a Senior Expo in Wheaton. Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• September 13: Children’s Safety Expo: Erickson Elementary School, 277 Springfield Drive, Bloomingdale, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• September 18: Disability Resource and Job Placement Expo: Fountain View Recreation Center, 910 N. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• September 27: FREE Electronics Recycling: Wheaton Warrenville South High School, 1993 Tiger Trail, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• October 25: Free Document Shredding Event: Wheaton Park District Building, 1777 S. Blanchard, Wheaton, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

 

 

Several Additional Bills Championed by Senator Lewis Signed by Governor

This is the time of year when the Governor is signing bills that passed through both chambers of the General Assembly, and I am pleased to report that several bills I sponsored or co-sponsored have now been signed into law. Bills signed as of this writing include:

Senate Bill 1289: Updates the definition of “home state” in a section of the Illinois Insurance Code to make tax compliance easier for out-of-state providers of surplus line insurance.

House Bill 1502: Clarifies the roles and duties of the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Toll Highway Authority (Tollway), and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in the law prohibiting cars from stopping on the side of the road near O’Hare Airport.

House Bill 1362: Closes an unintended loophole in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERA), which ensures that military personnel engaged in military service do not receive a reduction in pay or benefits from their normal jobs due to their military service.

Senate Bill 1238: Requires health insurance companies to develop plans for expanding coverage for nonopioid medications, allows IDPH to develop a pamphlet on nonopioid alternatives, and requires HFS to ensure that nonopioid drugs are not disadvantaged on a preferred drug list.

House Bill 2772: Adds ‘all professional sports’ to the definition of ‘facility’ to ensure that financing of women’s sports stadiums is eligible under the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act.

House Bill 3677: Prohibits a requirement for prior authorizations for complex wheelchair repairs.

Senate Bill 24: Eliminates any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing person’s report.

Senate Bill 39: Exempts veterans living in non-profit veteran housing from having to build expensive EV charging systems on their property.

Senate Bill 1999: Makes a targeted update to how IDOT evaluates certain transportation projects to ensure resources are used effectively and requires electronic reporting of crash data by law enforcement to the Department.

Senate Bill 2044: Permits local governments and special districts to allow web-based signatures.

 

New Law Strengthens Disability Rights in Community Settings

A new law I also proudly supported this year expands protections for individuals with disabilities living in community-based residential settings.

House Bill 57 updates the Essential Support Persons Act to include Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs). This ensures residents in these facilities retain the same right to receive essential visitors as those in other state-regulated facilities.

This change upholds the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities by guaranteeing equal access to the support they need, regardless of where they live.

 

Community Recycling Events Scheduled in DuPage County

DuPage County officials recently released a list of upcoming recycling events across the county. Events include the following:

• September 6, 2025; Electronic Recycling – Bloomingdale Township; Open to ALL DuPage County Residents; 8 AM – 12 PM.
• September 6, 2025; Pop – Up Recycling Center: Aurora; Saturday Pop-up collections for electronics, clothing & shoes, books & more; 9AM – 12 PM.
• September 6, 2025; Roselle Recycling Event;8:30 AM – 12 PM.
• September 13, 2025; Wheaton Recycling Event; Electronics, Textiles, Scrap Metal, Cooking Oil; 9 AM – 12 PM.
• September 13, 2025;City of Aurora Wards 8, 9 & 10 Document Shredding Event; 8 AM – 12 PM.
• September 20, 2025; Village of Schaumburg Document Destruction Event; Details TBD; 9 AM – 12 PM.
• September 20, 2025; Lisle Quarterly Electronics & Textiles Recycling; 8 AM – 12 PM.
• September 20, 2025; Villa Park Electronics Recycling Event; This free service is only available to Villa Park residents. Please have your ID ready. Also, note only one TV may be dropped off per visit; 9 AM – 12 PM.
• September 27, 2025; Winfield Township Recycling Extravaganza; $15 fee per car for electronic devices. Cash or credit only (credit has a 3% surcharge); 9 AM – 12 PM.

 

Secretary of State Warns of Text Message Scam

Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for a phishing scam disguised as a message from the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.

The scam, which has been circulating for several months, employs alarming language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an attempt to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim that recipients owe traffic fines and face vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.

Residents should avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages.

The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that it does not send text messages about driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Legitimate texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.

Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

 

Audit Exposes Continued Failures at DCFS

A recent report from the Illinois Auditor General has once again revealed ongoing failures at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). According to the newest audit, 29 of 34 findings were repeated issues from prior years, a sign of persistent mismanagement in this vital department.

Lawmakers say the agency’s inability to address child abuse and neglect cases continues to put vulnerable children at risk. We can never forget the horrific death of AJ Freund of nearby McHenry County after repeated involvement with DCFS, and now, the recent death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee, who lived in Fairview Heights and was also known to DCFS, has renewed calls for action.

These repeated failures are unacceptable. It is well past time to implement meaningful reforms that hold leadership accountable and better protect children in the agency’s care. I will continue to advocate for this state’s most vulnerable residents.

The full audit report can be found here.