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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD – With other states reporting influxes in drivers concealing or switching their license plates to avoid legal repercussions, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to ensure Illinois law explicitly bans license plate flippers.

“Devices like flippers allow drivers to evade tolls and law enforcement, creating unfair and unsafe road conditions for everyone,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure reinforces the importance of accountability on our roads by making it clear these devices are illegal.”

Senate Bill 1883 builds on current law, 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 would join the expanding number of states in outlawing license plate flippers.

“We need to secure the safety of our citizens and officers on the road,” said State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), chief co-sponsor of the measure. “This bill aims to deter vehicles from hiding their plates and evading accountability.”

Senate Bill 1883 passed the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to improve the affordability of preventive health care, State Senator Steve Stadelman is sponsoring legislation to eliminate certain fees.

“There’s no reason for hospital-owned health facilities to charge extra fees, especially if it’s a greedy facility fee,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Health care is already expensive enough as is, and we have a responsibility to make it more affordable for Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2182 would make it illegal for a health care facility to charge a facility fee for preventive services provided to a patient at any associated clinic. A facility fee is a charge imposed by hospitals and health facilities for the use of their space, equipment and administrative services, separate from the fees charged by doctors or other health care providers.

“Patients don’t deserve unexpected costs when they seek routine health care,” said Stadelman. “We need to put patients over profit, especially when it’s preventive health care.”

Senate Bill 2182 awaits to be assigned to a Senate committee.