SB 10- Marriage Equality
Cosponsor
Would legalize same sex marriage while providing safeguards for religious freedom.

HB 106- Medicaid Expansion
Cosponsor
Would expand Medicaid coverage pursuant to the Affordable Care Act. Extends benefits to individuals below 133% of the poverty line and makes health care accessible for many more people who currently can not afford care.

HJRCA 10- Judicial Retention Amendment
Sponsor
Would amend the constitution to change the way judges are retained. A Judicial Retention Commission would be formed in each district to evaluate judges. Those found unqualified may seek retention via election, while those found qualified would be retained.

HB 1- Medical Marijuana
Cosponsor
Would create a pilot program allowing individuals with certain conditions to be prescribed medicinal marijuana. The bill will allow patients and physicians the ability to avoid addictive narcotic prescription medications while finding relief from symptoms and side effects from debilitating conditions.

HB 1143- Private Sale Background Checks
Sponsor
Requires that the private sale of firearms take place under the guidance of a federally licensed firearms dealer who will conduct applicable background checks, closing a major loophole in the firearms sale process.

HB 1145- Enhanced Firearm Penalties
Sponsor
Increases penalties for unlawful use or possession of weapons for felons, and for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

HB 942- Universal Healthcare
Cosponsor
Would expand health coverage to all Illinois residents by establishing a comprehensive universal healthcare program.

HB 3042- Social Security Unemployment Offset
Sponsor
Removes social security retirement benefits as disqualifying income for unemployment benefits. Illinois is one of very few states that penalize social security recipients on unemployment and this bill would bring us in line with the majority of the country.

HB 132- Firearm Regulations
Cosponsor
Would prohibit the sale, transfer or purchase of assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

HB 159- Firearm Loss/Theft
Cosponsor
Requires the loss/theft of a firearm be reported to the police department within 72 hours of discovery. Failure to report would cause revocation of their firearm owner identification card.

HB 1309- Assault Aggravating Factors
Sponsor
This bill would allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties for people who create audio or video recordings of their crimes with the intent to disseminate those recordings. This bill is in response to the brutal murder of Delfino Mora in West Rogers Park last year. The bill passed the House yesterday and now moves to the Senate.

HB 2352- Medicaid Drug Limit Exemptions
Sponsor
The SMART Act passed last year requires prior authorization for individuals who need more than four prescriptions a month, which can lead to delays. This bill creates exemptions for various conditions that inherently require more than four.

HB 2401- Juvenile Redeploy
Sponsor
Expands community based programs and treatment alternatives to imprisonment for juvenile offenders.

HB 2471- Victim Privacy
Sponsor
For cases involving sexual offenses, this bill would maintain confidentiality for the victim in all respects, except for what is needed for the performance of official court duties. This bill will provide additional protections for children and victims of sexual assault and helps our system keep pace with changing technology.

HB 68- Same Day Registration
Cosponsor
Would allow for eligible voters to register to vote at polling places on Election day and provide for increased participation in elections.

HB 71- Medicaid Fraud Prevention
Sponsor
Enhances penalties for individuals who fraudulently obtain medical benefits and for vendors who commit medicaid fraud.

HB 959- Medicaid Personal Needs Allowance Increase
Sponsor
Medicaid patients living in facilities receive a monthly stipend from their benefits for personal needs expenses. These patients haven’t received an increase on the $30/month in more than twenty years, in spite of regular cost of living increases to their SSI benefits. This bill will increase dignity and quality of life for patients while also benefitting public safety in neighborhoods with facilities where neighbors frequently complain of increased panhandling and street crime near the end of the month.

HB 1142- Unwanted Firearms
Sponsor
Requires counties and municipalities to establish a program that allows for unwanted firearms to be turned in at police stations.