News

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Laura Fine to strengthen Illinois’ oversight of water contamination has been signed into law, giving the state more robust tools to monitor and track dangerous polyfluoroalkyl substances—known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”—in wastewater, sludge, and biosolids.

“Protecting our water, farmland, and natural resources starts with having accurate information about potential sources of contamination,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “This law gives Illinois stronger tools to identify PFAS pollution and make informed decisions to safeguard public health.”

PFAS, or per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are a class of thousands of human‑made chemicals used for decades in industrial processes and consumer products because of their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Their persistence in the environment allows them to accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, raising long‑term environmental and health concerns.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Laura Fine to safeguard insurance coverage for topical eye medications has been signed into law, ensuring patients can maintain uninterrupted access to the treatments they need to protect their vision.

“For many individuals living with chronic eye conditions, missing even a short period of treatment can have serious consequences,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “This law helps ensure patients have reliable access to prescribed medications so they can focus on their health rather than insurance obstacles.”

Topical eye medications — including prescription eye drops used to treat glaucoma and other serious eye diseases — are essential to preventing vision deterioration and blindness. Yet coverage limitations and restrictive refill policies can leave patients without the medications they rely on to manage their conditions safely and effectively.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine announced 14 public libraries and school districts across the 9th Senate District are set to receive more than $322,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Libraries are essential community spaces that open doors to knowledge, opportunity and lifelong learning,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By supporting our libraries, we are strengthening educational opportunities, expanding access to critical resources, and ensuring every family has the tools they need to succeed.”

More than $27 million was awarded to over 640 public libraries and 2,500 school libraries statewide through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants, Security and Construction Grants and School Library Grants. The funding will support libraries’ investments in reading materials, technology, literacy programs, infrastructure improvements and security upgrades. School library grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support student learning and literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Laura Fine to require clear ingredient labeling on diaper packaging has been signed into law, ensuring parents and caregivers have straightforward, reliable information about the products their children use every day.

“Families should have easy access to information about the products their children rely on,” said Fine (D‑Glenview). “By requiring ingredient disclosure on diaper packaging, this law gives parents greater confidence and helps them make choices that are right for their children.”

Concerns from parents, caregivers, and individuals with sensitivities to fragrances and other chemicals highlighted a gap in consumer information surrounding diaper products. While adults using medical-device-classified diapers are afforded certain ingredient disclosure protections under federal regulations, infant and children’s diapers have not been subject to the same transparency standards.