SPRINGFIELD – To protect residents from abuse and neglect at state-run mental health or developmental disability facilities, State Senator Laura Fine championed a law strengthening the ability of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to investigate allegations.

“It is the state’s responsibility to protect our most vulnerable residents,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Through on-site investigations, the OIG is able to confirm and respond to reports of abuse at these facilities, while removing the source of the issue before a pattern of neglect ensues.”

This law expands protections for patients by giving the OIG the ability to conduct targeted site visits to all community agencies in the state, which includes Community Living Arrangements and Community Mental Health Centers.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine creates transparency in health care plans by clarifying when a consumer is able to challenge an insurance company’s decision to deny their claim.

“When a health insurance provider refuses to pay for treatment, it presents unnecessary struggles for patients,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “By ensuring individuals have a clear way to appeal these denials, we can promote transparency between the patients and the insurance company.”

Health insurance providers may deny coverage or refuse to pay for a service, which is known as an adverse benefit determination. However, consumers are able to request an external review of this denial to evaluate its appropriateness. Fine’s law clarifies when a consumer can appeal a denial of benefits or request an external review.

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.

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.