Fine law establishes guardrails for carbon capture industry

SPRINGFIELD – Due to our unique geology, Illinois has attracted interest from industry to pursue carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects. In response to this growing industry, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to ensure these projects meet some of the strongest environmental protections in the nation.

“Senate Bill 1289 secures long-term protections to keep Illinois communities safe and benefit from the growing carbon capture and sequestration industry,” said Senator Fine (D-Glenview). “Over the course of many months, environmental advocates, unions, landowners and industry helped to establish robust safety requirements to protect our land and water, ensuring that corporations, not Illinois taxpayers, are held liable for operations and safety.”

Senate Bill 1289 sets environmental safety requirements at each stage in the carbon capture process—at the capture facility, via pipelines, and at sequestration sites. First, the law ensures that Illinois remains a leader on climate progress by requiring that carbon capture companies not increase dangerous air pollution and will be required to demonstrate a net reduction in climate pollution. In addition, the law establishes an up to two-year moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines while we await federal safety and oversight rules.

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Illinois bans ‘junk’ insurance plans thanks to Fine

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed a package of health insurance reforms on Wednesday – including House Bill 2499 that bans short-term health insurance plans:

“As we strive to put Illinois at the forefront of health care, we cannot afford to leave out consumers who depend on their health insurance plans to meet their medical needs. Right now, many Illinoisans who choose short-term – or ‘junk’ insurance – plans for their health care coverage are left vulnerable to the high costs and low coverage.  

“I have been a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable health care services, and this includes securing quality health care coverage so all Illinoisans can receive necessary medical treatment.

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Fine law protects adults facing self-neglect

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine will put protections in place to ensure the welfare of adults who are unable to care for themselves.

“In the event an adult is facing difficulties with self-care, it is vital for them to be connected to appropriate services,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Adult patients experiencing cases of self-neglect will now have the assistance they need in order to maintain their physical health and safety.”

This law establishes a screening procedure for cases of self-neglect among adult patients under the Adult Protective Services intervention program. If a patient is found to be a substantial health threat to themselves due to self-neglect, a provider agency must develop a case plan within 10 days and with the consent of the adult.

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Fine backs budget improving access to quality mental health care services

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget including support for mental health care services to facilitate access to quality care in a variety of areas. State Senator Laura Fine, chair of the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, released the following statement in response:

“As Illinois continues to make progress in reducing barriers to mental health care services, we must be sure to address access for our most vulnerable residents.

“Over the course of this legislative session, I have worked closely with mental health care experts and my colleagues to establish a budget that strengthens health care protections and improves policies. I am pleased to see investments in mental health services on college campuses and our local nonprofits like NAMI. Mental health care is an indispensable resource for everyone, and the budget demonstrates the importance of mental health in every community."