Guzmán effort to ensure the right to wear protective medical equipment passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to enshrine the right to wear protective medical equipment without fear of retaliation passed committee Thursday.

“Protecting one’s health and body is a right that is under assault across our nation,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “No one should be harassed or discriminated against because of health equipment they need.

The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act – or Kiki’s Law – would give all individuals theright 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.

“Access Living and the entire Right to Mask Coalition are incredibly excited to see SB 3340 pass out of committee,” said Sebastian Nall, policy analyst at Access Living. “There is much work to do, but we look forward to advancing this important legislation for Illinoisans with Disabilities. Thank you to our Chief Sponsor Graciela Guzman, Chair Rachel Ventura, and members of the Human Rights Committee.”

“The politicization of medical equipment is a threat to at-risk communities and public health,” said Guzmán. “We must ensure mask bans or other kinds of medical based harassment never occur in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3340 passed the Human Rights Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Guzmán promotes her NEST legislation to aid families

SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to improve maternal health and ensure new families have the support they need to thrive, State Senator Graciela Guzmán hosted a rally promoting her legislation to bring economic support to new mothers.

“NEST recognizes that if we want healthier babies, stronger families, and a more sustainable Medicaid system, we have to support mothers when it matters most,” said Guzman (D-Chicago). “NEST isn’t just the right thing to do for our families, it saves the state Medicaid dollars.”

The Newborn Equity Support Transfer – also known as NEST – gives new mothers on Medicaid $1,500 payment during their third trimester of pregnancy, followed by $500 a month for the first six months of their baby’s life.

Birth complications are incredibly expensive. A full-term birth costs Medicaid a fraction of what a preterm or low-birthweight birth costs. This can translate to $6,000 for a full-term birth versus up to $100,000 when there are complications.

In Flint, Michigan, a similar program allowed mothers to use funding on things like prenatal care, doulas, extra childcare, diapers, keeping the lights on, and putting food on the table.

“Too many families are forced to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood under crushing financial stress. The result is devastating outcomes for moms and babies,” said Sarah Saheb, director of Ecnomoic Secrui

“The Flint program led to fewer preterm births, fewer NICU admissions, and healthier outcomes for both moms and babies,” said Guzmán. “Those reductions translate into safer, more secure homes and less stress on our hospitals. I’m proud to be leading this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make NEST a reality in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3756 is awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee.

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February Legislative Town Hall 2026

Guzmán advocates for Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — Together with advocates, colleagues and constituents, State Senator Graciela Guzmán spoke about the importance of establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois to keep costs of essential medications down for working families and her plans to champion legislation establishing this board during spring legislative session. 

“Every day, families are making the impossible decision between purchasing prescription drugs they need to function, or putting food on the table,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “We cannot in good conscience let people suffer when we have the means to solve the issue. Founding a prescription drug affordability board will limit how much drugs cost, keeping people healthy and able to invest in other areas of their lives.”  

A Prescription Drug Affordability Board is an independent board responsible for assessing which prescription drugs present affordability challenges to a state's health care system. Senate Bill 66 would establish a Health Care Availability and Access Board in Illinois, which would be required to conduct cost reviews of specific prescription drugs to determine which are high-cost drugs and inaccessible to patients, as well as to impose maximum payment limits on purchases or payment plans on prescription drugs in the state. This will ensure prescriptions are not too expensive for working Illinoisans to afford them. 

• PDAB
• Prescription Drug Affordability

Read more: Guzmán advocates for Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Illinois