Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

New Ellman law protects Illinois cremation scattering rights on Jan. 1

Details: Monday, December 22, 2025 09:36 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families will have the ability to scatter their loved ones' cremated remains according to their traditions and religious beliefs starting Jan. 1, thanks to a law spearheaded by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“In moments of profound loss, families should not also have to navigate uncertainty and red tape,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure brings compassion, clarity and dignity to a deeply personal process while ensuring our waterways are treated with care.”

Grant program to tackle shoreline restoration expanded under new Ellman law Jan. 1

Details: Friday, December 19, 2025 11:58 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – Park districts and counties will have greater access to state grants for shoreline restoration and protection starting Jan. 1, helping communities address costly environmental damage while easing pressure on local municipalities, under a law led by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“People often don’t realize how expensive shoreline damage can be until it turns into an emergency,” said Ellman (D- Naperville). “This gives communities a way to fix problems early, before those hidden costs fall on homeowners.”

Illinois waterway funding strengthened under new Ellman law on Jan. 1

Details: Thursday, December 18, 2025 09:01 AM

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SPRINGFIELD – In the new year, Illinois will have a more reliable and transparent funding source for the Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Water Resources and the critical work it does across the state thanks to State Senator Laura Ellman.

“This is about making sure our water dollars are doing what people expect them to do: protect our rivers, lakes and communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Clean water is a shared value, and this gives us the tools and funding to actually back that up.”

Ellman law cuts unnecessary red tape for youth programs on Jan. 1

Details: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 01:24 PM

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SPRINGFIELD – A new law taking effect Jan. 1 will make it easier for arboretums across Illinois to continue offering educational programs for young children without daycare regulations standing in the way, thanks to State Senator Laura Ellman.

“This commonsense update recognizes that arboretum programs aren’t full-time day care — they’re short, educational experiences that help kids learn and explore the natural world,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We’re keeping strong safety standards like background checks in place while making it easier for families to access these great programs.”