SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will give clarity to law enforcement so they can more easily remove criminal trespassers from a person’s home.

“Our intention is to make it easier for law enforcement to enforce criminal trespassing and remove squatters from property,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are responding to constituents who have had trouble with squatters who could not be removed without an eviction, and this will simplify the process.”

Collins’ new law, Senate Bill 1563, clarifies the state’s eviction law to ensure nothing about the eviction process keeps law enforcement from enforcing criminal laws. This change clarifies that squatters – who are trespassers – can be removed without going through the eviction process.

“Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove squatters from their home,” said Collins. “Law enforcement need to be able to do their job and return homes to their rightful owners. This law will bring back much-needed security to residents.”

Senate Bill 1563 was signed on Monday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Lakesia Collins spearheaded a property tax relief package that was signed into law Friday, increasing property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Seniors have a lot on their plate to deal with from health care to home care, and property taxes should not be on that list,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Expanding the number of seniors who qualify for relief ensures seniors in our neighborhoods can stay in our neighborhoods.”

The new law, Senate Bill 642, will deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption will increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins is calling on federal lawmakers to protect food assistance benefits that nearly two million Illinois residents rely on by resolving the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, come Nov. 1.

“This is an urgent issue that will impact nearly two million Illinois residents,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Families from every corner of our state rely on support from SNAP. Illinois residents will be feeling the loss of these benefits as they figure out how to put food on the table during this trying time.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 57,948 residents of the 5^th District who rely on SNAP benefits.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins joined Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and the Illinois Department of Public Health to announce the Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint that will serve as a roadmap to improving maternal health and birthing outcomes across Illinois.

“I want to thank Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Stratton, and the birthing justice advocates for their tireless work advancing birth equity and for recognizing the importance of this issue,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “As an advocate for birth equity, I was honored to sponsor this life-saving legislation. Every person — regardless of race or income — deserves a safe and healthy birthing experience.”

The blueprint builds upon the Illinois Birth Equity Initiative, which Collins championed last year. The blueprint outlines four strategic priorities to improve maternal health, representing a multi-agency initiative across the governor and lieutenant governor’s offices, Illinois Departments of Human Services, Public Health, Healthcare and Family Services and more.