Fine appointed to Behavioral Health Administrative Burden Task Force

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize quality mental health care, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) has been appointed to the Behavioral Health Administrative Burden Task Force. The goal of the task force is to ensure that individuals have timely access to the care they need.

“Accessible and affordable mental health care is essential healthcare for Illinoisans.  This task force serves a critical role in addressing barriers physicians face by promoting collaborative efforts between behavioral health professionals, state agencies, and patients to formulate appropriate solutions and best practices.”

 The task force is responsible for reviewing policies and regulations impacting the behavioral health industry to identify inefficiencies, duplicate or unnecessary requirements, burdensome restrictions and other barriers impeding access to services. The task force will also develop recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining quality of care.

Fine highlights mental health care access, environmental safety as budget priorities

SPRINGFIELD – Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) issued the following statement:

“As chair of the Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and longstanding advocate for accessible and affordable mental health care services, I have spent my career working with providers and subject matter experts to deliver timely solutions to barriers impacting our communities, including insurance limitations that directly prevent patients from receiving necessary treatment. This budget takes steps to build on our existing investments in affordable mental health services, including funding for mental health services integrated with physical care as well as funding for in-state network Psychiatric Patient Treatment Facilities. The proposal continues to facilitate career pathways amidst our workforce shortages in health care fields through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce.

“Furthermore, the integrity of our state’s environmental landscape is a priority in this proposal, with funding to revitalize state parks, historic sites, and decrease air pollution through Electric Vehicle Rebate investments.

Read more: Fine highlights mental health care access, environmental safety as budget priorities

Fine measure to expand chronic pain treatment signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to ensure patients suffering from chronic pain receive necessary treatments has been signed into law.

“Patients with legitimate chronic pain are placed at further risk of self-medicating or mental and physical harm if they are restricted from accessing necessary medical treatment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Those suffering from chronic pain due to an injury or illness will now receive the care they need without barriers or misunderstandings.”

House Bill 5373 reflects new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain. The new law allows physicians to authorize necessary prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, without strict limitations based on dosage amounts except as provided under federal law.

Read more: Fine measure to expand chronic pain treatment signed into law

Fine supports Karina’s Law to protect domestic violence survivors

SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors, State Senator Laura Fine supported Karina’s Law to expedite the removal of firearms from individuals subject to emergency retraining orders.

“Families and their loved ones should feel  secure when requesting a civil order of protection, knowing it will ensure their abuser will no longer have access to firearms that could further place them at risk,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Domestic violence-related shootings continue to rise with a 55% increase from 2023 to 2024, and we must protect our communities with tangible solutions.”

House Bill 4144, or Karina’s Law, would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Under the bill, law enforcement would be required to remove firearms from individuals whose FOID cards are revoked due to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge’s order. This measure establishes clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application statewide and addressing the risks posed by firearms in domestic violence situations.

Read more: Fine supports Karina’s Law to protect domestic violence survivors