NEWS

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed the Senate.

“We cannot allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed on our college campuses,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “If student survivors experience digital sexual harassment or otherwise, there must be protections for them.”

Guzmán’s bill would add definitions for sexual harassment and digital sexual harassment, requiring higher education policy regarding gender-based violence to address these major issues. The legislation would also specify that victims receive privacy protections when they meet with a campus confidential advisor.

In addition to survivor protections, the legislation would require higher education institutions to address retaliation in their policies and make supportive measures available as long as they are needed by a survivor. The bill provides guidance and gives examples of supportive measures, while ensuring that a particular course of study or major cannot be a reason to deny such measures. If an institution willfully fails to act in accordance with the policy, this legislation would create a civil cause of action, thus providing a mechanism of enforcement for survivor rights.

According to the American Psychological Association, campus sexual assault makes up the largest proportion of on campus crimes in the U.S., at 43%. Along with being a significant health and human rights concern, sexual violence can have a negative impact on academic performance. As of 2017, studies show up to 25% of female college students report being victims of sexual assault. Students who are LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities and those from minority ethnic communities are at an elevated risk. These statistics indicate sexual harassment on higher education campuses is a widespread and systemic problem.

"The impact of sexual violence is a lifelong burden for survivors and we should be doing all we can--both to prevent these crimes from being committed and to protect survivors from retaliation when they come forward about their experiences," said State Representative Mary Beth Canty (D-Arlington Heights). "This legislation requires our higher education institutions to be better prepared to assist and protect students who have experienced these situations, ensuring they don't have to face the fallout alone. I'm glad to have worked with Senator Guzman on a measure so vital for Illinois' young people.”

“Our higher education institutions need to make sure they are not exposing student survivors to further risk when they seek help,” said Guzmán. “This legislation bolsters protections for survivors while making sure our higher education institutions provide adequate support.”

House Bill 4990 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – With Illinois residents facing skyrocketing health care costs and pressure on housing from property taxes and inflation, State Senator Graciela Guzmán has advanced legislation through the Senate to protect those burdened by health care debt from having a lien placed on their home during a health care debt collection.

“I condemn this practice of threating a family’s home because they are in medical debt,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “No person should have to go into medical debt in order to get the care they need in the first place, and placing a lien on that person’s home, that they have worked so hard for, is unacceptable.”

This bill came forward after the House sponsor heard from constituents affected by the acquisition of St. Margaret’s Hospital in Peru by OSF HealthCare. After that acquisition, families saw more aggressive medical debt collection practices, including liens on homes for medical debts sometimes as low as $2,000.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán is pushing to allow mammograms under all health insurance policies regardless of the person’s age.

“Young people should not be burdened by cost if they and their health care provider find they require a mammogram,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Earlier detection of breast cancer can lead to more effective treatment and better survival rates for those diagnosed.”

Guzman’s legislation would expand mammogram coverage to align with evidence-based clinical guidelines and the recommendations of a healthcare provider, including when medically appropriate for individuals under 35. Under the measure, mammograms would be covered for patients of any age when deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s effort to enshrine the right to wear protective medical equipment without fear of retaliation passed the Senate today.

“We cannot allow politics to get in the way of an individual’s access to protective medical equipment,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This bill preserves choice, access and public health in Illinois.”

The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act – or Kiki’s Law – would give all individuals the right to wear protective medical equipment in public accommodations without having to disclose personal health information. It prohibits discrimination, harassment, denial of service, eviction, retaliation, or employer penalties related to wearing protective medical equipment, with limited exceptions for security and operational safety.

An initiative of Access Living and the Right to Mask Coalition, the legislation honors the legacy of Colette “Kiki” Walkington, who had complex medical needs. Following a kidney transplant from her father, Kiki relied on immunosuppressants and was at risk of serious illness. Medical masks worn by her family provided protection and allowed Kiki to live a fuller life.

“Kiki was a person with a disability who was immunocompromised and her family wore protective medical equipment every single day to keep her safe especially when leaving the house,” said Sebastian Nall, policy analyst at Access Living. “Kiki’s family is a perfect example of a family that would be positively impacted by the passing of this legislation.”

“Folks should not be intimidated for using equipment that makes themselves and their community safer,” said Guzmán. “Harassment based on medical decisions and mask bans have no place in our state.”

Senate Bill 3340 passed the Senate and heads to the House for further consideration.