Stadelman bill would spare patients from adverse reporting of medical debt
State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking a significant step toward safeguarding the financial well-being of Illinois patients by introducing legislation to prohibit consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit reports.
“Medical debt should not serve as a barrier to financial stability and opportunity,” Stadelman said “No one should have to endure the added stress of damaged credit due to medical expenses beyond their control. This legislation is about ensuring fairness and equity for consumers, regardless of their health status.”
Senate Bill 2933 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. If enacted, the legislation would ban consumer reporting agencies from issuing credit reports containing any adverse information about a consumer's medical debt.
Medical debt is often incurred unexpectedly and can accumulate quickly, leading to financial strain and hardship. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 20 percent of U.S. households report they have medical debt, and more than $88 billion in unpaid medical bills show up on credit reports.
“The presence of medical debt is not an indicator of one’s ability to pay” Stadelman. “To ensure financial equity for Illinoisans, this bill will protect those struggling with medical bills and emphasize that medical debt must not become a barrier to success.”
Stadelman move would forbid employers from microchipping workers
In response to microchipping technology becoming more readily available, State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced a measure to bar employers from requiring employees to implant RFID chips or other identification devices.
While not widespread, some companies are working to create microchips to boost worker performance and productivity. To ensure there is a legal framework in place in Illinois, Stadelman’s proposal would prohibit a person from requiring any other individual, including an employee, to undergo the subcutaneous implanting of an identification device, also known as a microchip. Violations would be subject to civil penalties.
“The dignity and privacy of employees must be upheld in the face of technological innovation,” Stadelman said. “We must safeguard fundamental human rights and maintain ethical standards in the workplace.”
Senate Bill 3105, which awaits a hearing in the Senate Subcommittee on Privacy, also creates a process where an employee can voluntarily undergo an implant.
"It is crucial we protect the rights and privacy of employees,” Stadelman said. "Microchipping individuals without their consent is a clear violation of their autonomy."
Stadelman proposal seeks transparency in ticket pricing, fights speculative ticket listing
State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking action to protect consumers and promote transparency in the ticketing industry with legislation to end speculative ticket listing and regulate event pricing.
“Speculative ticket listing and opaque pricing practices have long plagued the ticketing industry, leaving consumers frustrated and financially disadvantaged,” Stadelman said.
In speculative ticket listing, sellers list tickets for events they do not yet possess in the hope of acquiring them later at a lower price. This practice often leads to inflated ticket prices, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation and price gouging.
Senate Bill 3678 would require sellers to disclose the total price of event tickets upfront -- including all fees and charges -- to ensure transparency and prevent hidden costs. The measure passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
“By requiring sellers to disclose the total price of event tickets upfront, we are promoting transparency and accountability in the ticketing marketplace,” Stadelman said. “Consumers deserve to know the full cost of their tickets without being blindsided by hidden fees and charges.”
Illinois driver education would include construction zone safety under Stadelman bill
State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced legislation to require driver’s education courses to include instruction on worker safety in highway construction zones.
“Ensuring the safety of both drivers and construction workers on our roadways is a shared responsibility,” Stadelman said. “By equipping our future drivers with the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate construction zones with caution and respect, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and tragedies.”
Senate Bill 3151 passed the Senate Education Committee this week and heads to the full Senate for further consideration. If enacted, the requirement would apply to public schools in Illinois.
The number of people who died in work zone crashes increased from 586 people in 2010 to 954 people in 2021, according to National Safety Council Injury Facts.
“By integrating this vital component into our educational curriculum, we can instill in our young drivers a heightened awareness of the potential hazards and empower them to make safer decisions behind the wheel,” Stadelman said.
In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman is at Illinois State Capital
March 13 at 9:12 PM
Interesting day at the Capitol yesterday. Secretary of State Police received notice of a "threat" to the building, issued a lockdown and swept the Capitol complex (this was the view outside my office window). Thank you to our first responders who keep us safe with their bravery and service.
