Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

Ellman law aims to reduce food waste, expand student access to meals

Details: Monday, August 03, 2026 08:24 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – To combat climate change and environmental degradation as well as provide food for students, State Senator Laura Ellman backed a new law aimed at helping schools reduce food waste and ensure more students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.

“This is a simple, practical solution that helps schools reduce waste while making sure more students have access to the food they need to learn and thrive,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “In a state where one in eight people face food insecurity, we should be doing everything we can to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste.”

Ellman law to improve transparency around preventive care visits

Details: Monday, August 03, 2026 08:15 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – Nearly one in five insured adults report receiving an unexpected medical bill. As patients continue to navigate complex health care billing systems, State Senator Laura Ellman’s new law will help ensure Illinoisans are better informed about potential charges before receiving care.

“Preventive care should not come with unexpected costs that leave patients confused after the fact,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This law is about transparency. Patients deserve to know when a conversation during a wellness visit could result in additional services being billed.”

Ellman law to expand rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention

Details: Friday, July 31, 2026 02:13 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – Studies find that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. However, there is a lack of rehabilitation credit opportunities for individuals in pretrial detention, leading State Senator Laura Ellman to champion a new law, Senate Bill 3333.

“There are few greater contributions to society than empowering people through education and my hope is to see more opportunities being created to reduce recidivism and improve public safety in the long run,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “While Illinois is a leading state in creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals, we still have many avenues we can improve.”

Ellman law expands access to Illinois Global Scholar Certification

Details: Monday, July 27, 2026 08:04 AM

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SPRINGFIELD — To help more students access globally focused learning opportunities, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a new law modernizing the Illinois’ Global Scholar Certification program by recognizing new ways students demonstrate learning and competency.

“Students today are learning and demonstrating skills in more ways than ever before,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This law is about expanding access, not lowering standards, ensuring our programs reflect modern learning opportunities while maintaining the rigor and integrity of the Global Scholar Certification.”

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