Stadelman law bans license plate flippers

With other states reporting a rise in drivers concealing or switching their license plates to avoid legal repercussions, a measure from State Senator Steve Stadelman has been signed into law that explicitly bans license plate flippers.

“All drivers need to be held to the same standards on the road,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People shouldn’t be using plate flippers to skip tolls, dodge cameras or evade police.”

The new law builds on current regulations, clarifying that the use of tape or flippers on any registration plate and any other evidence of registration issued by the Illinois Secretary of State is illegal. A license plate flipper is a device that allows drivers – with the push of a button – to obscure their license plates, often used to avoid identification when committing traffic violations. Illinois joins the expanding number of states in outlawing license plate flippers.

“Banning plate flippers will hold bad actors accountable on our roads,” said Stadelman. “This law not only protects the public and other drivers, it promotes responsible driving.”

Senate Bill 1883 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Stadelman's 2025 Summer Book Club

State Senator Steve Stadelman read "Jabari Jumps" about a youngster gathering the courage to take his first plunge of a high diving board, to dozens of students who then enjoyed a pizza party to celebrate the conclusion of Stadelman's fifth Summer Book Club reading challenge.

Sixty-eight students at the Boys and Girls Club of Rockford Stenstrom Unit read 8 books over six weeks. The reading challenge, open to all students in the 34th Senate District, has been based at Stenstrom for the last four years, but Stadelman is hosting a SECOND PIZZA PARTY at 2:15 PM TOMORROW, Aug. 1, for a smaller book club at Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave. 

Students who met the reading challenge also received Certificates of Recognition from the Illinois Senate.

"It's important for students to keep up their reading skills over the summer," Stadelman said. "Most kids love a challenge and love pizza, so the book club encourages them read more than they might otherwise when they're not in school."

Stadelman announces over $379,000 in area library grants

State Senator Steve Stadelman joined the Illinois Secretary of State in announcing libraries in Rockford, Loves Park, Cherry Valley and Belvidere will benefit from more than $379,000 in state funds through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“Libraries are one of the best resources a town can offer. From educational programs to technology and research assistance, every resident can benefit from a public library in some way,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It’s through funding like these grant programs that allow libraries to function and stay accessible for community members.”

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Stadelman says local manufacturer's Made in Illinois grant will help 'drive innovation and growth'

A local company is among 29 statewide receiving $1.3 million in funding through the state's Made in Illinois grant program, State Senator Steve Stadelman confirmed today.

Imperial Punch, which employs 27 workers on Rockford's southeast side, will benefit from the matching grants of up to $50,000 for small and mid-size manufacturers.

"Made in Illinois is a program designed to drive innovation and growth in Illinois' critical manufacturing sector," State Senator Steve Stadelman said. "Illinois is an international manufacturing hub, but smaller businesses that make up the hub need a boost to attract capital or add jobs, which pays dividends in developing local and state economies overall."

Combined the 29 grant recipients have 1,120 employees, ranging from as few as six to as many as 125. Including those announced today, Made in Illinois has awarded a total of $3 million in grants to 69 companies since the program started in 2024.