Stadelman measure strengthens free press protections

SPRINGFIELD – Following an Illinois Supreme Court decision that weakened protections for journalists, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to safeguard the rights of Illinoisans and news outlets to state their opinions in the media.

“This legislation is needed in order to protect media and what they do on a daily basis,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We need to stand up for free press and speech, and this measure shows our efforts to do so."

Senate Bill 1181 builds on existing law to ensure the Citizens Participation Act protects individuals and the press from lawsuits intended to silence or intimidate them, regardless of the motive behind the lawsuit. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) is a legal tactic used to silence or intimidate critics by burdening them with costly and time-consuming litigation, often targeting individuals or organizations who speak out on issues of public interest.

The Supreme Court ruled the state’s anti-SLAPP law did not protect media outlets or journalists. Stadelman’s legislation clarifies news organizations should be shielded from retaliatory lawsuits.

Senate Bill 1181 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee last Wednesday.

Rockford nonprofits to benefit from almost $1 million in Illinois clean energy grants

ROCKFORD -- Eligible nonprofit organizations in the Rockford region will receive nearly $1 million in solar energy installations as part of Illinois' landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, State Senator Steve Stadelman announced today.

Greenlink Energy Solutions of Rockford is partnering with Zion West Enterprises to identify and fund start-up and pre-development costs for renewable-energy projects for nonprofits that serve low-income and historically disadvantaged communities. The state's $964,270 investment is expected to result in $3.5 million in local projects for nonprofits and also pay for training for local workers to install solar equipment.

Rockford is one of 12 communities statewide benefitting from $10.3 million in grants under CEJA through its Equitable Energy Future Grant Program.

"The goal is to help remove barriers to projects in communities that have been historically left behind due to lack of available capital," Stadelman said. "The economic benefits of clean energy should touch every zip code."  

Qualified entities for the Equitable Energy grants included contractors, non-profits, co-operatives majority-governed by equity eligible persons and businesses or nonprofits with a proposed project that meets equity building criteria. Grants under two additional CEJA programs were also announced, for a total of $57 million in state funding to 88 recipients.

Stadelman fights to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is working on efforts to ensure our state’s most vulnerable adults are not being taken advantage of financially.

“We have seen increased cases of financial exploitation recently, especially in older adults,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It’s our duty to protect these vulnerable adults, and prioritizing legislation that empowers financial professionals to step in and defend against exploitation is a good first step.”

Senate Bill 1551 would require investment advisors and similar qualified individuals to report when they have a reasonable belief that financial exploitation has occurred with an eligible adult. It also allows advisors to delay disbursements from a person’s account if they have suspected elder financial exploitation.

The bill is based on a model act from the North American Securities Administration Association designed to protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, the average amount lost by victims is $33,915 and total losses in 2023 exceeded $3.4 billion.

“Financial advisors have the chance to prevent further financial harm to individuals and families if they are mandated to report suspicious activity,” said Stadelman. “It’s my hope this measure will further protect senior consumers and crack down on financial exploitation.”

Senate Bill 1551 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

Stadelman bill requires clarity from third-party online booking services

SPRINGFIELD – To protect consumers from unexpected fees and incorrect bookings with third-party services, State Senator Steve Stadelman is fighting to improve transparency from these providers.

“Many individuals easily fall victim to deceptive booking practices through third-party services, especially in the hotel and lodging industry,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “People are losing their money because of these services, and it will only continue if we do not take action and require them to provide mandatory disclosures to consumers.”

Senate Bill 2013 would make it illegal for third-party booking services to facilitate the reservation of a hotel room without disclosing to consumers that they are not affiliated with the hotel and that the consumer is not making a reservation with the hotel directly.

The measure aims to protect consumers from unexpected fees, increased prices and incorrect bookings and that can occur when reservations are made through a third-party booking service. If passed, Illinois would be the first state to require these mandatory disclosures.

“Illinoisans deserve transparency when they are using these online services,” said Stadelman. “I’m pleased we are finally stepping up to help reduce scams and protect consumers.”

Senate Bill 2013 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.