Senator Don DeWitte’s Legislative Update

Senator DeWitte Hosts Spring Youth Advisory Council

I want to thank all the students who came to my Spring Youth Advisory Council last week. The students were able to learn more about state government, public service, and the legislative process through a hands-on experience. I also want to thank the speakers who donated their time and talents to talk with students about their careers in the public sector and experiences with state government.

The YAC is always one of my favorite events of the year because I truly enjoy watching the students get excited about their futures and learning how their voice can affect real change. The future looks bright and I was very impressed with this group of emerging leaders!

Events Planned for Spring, Summer, and Fall in the 33^rd District

While my Youth Advisory Council is an invite-only event based on recommendations from school teachers and counselors, I have a full calendar of public events that are open to all residents of the 33^rd Senate District. Please mark your calendars now for these upcoming events:

• May 10: Pet Adoption Fair, St. Charles Hardware- Do It Best, 3619 E. Main Street, St. Charles, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• May 16: Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event, South Elgin Police Department, 50 S. Water Street, South Elgin, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• June 4: Property Tax Seminar, DeWitte-Ugaste Legislative Office, 406 Surrey Woods Drive, St. Charles, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• June 11: Traveling Office Hours, Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W. Paddock Street, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• June 17: Traveling Office Hours, Geneva Public Library, 227 S. 7^th Street, Geneva
• June 28: Document Shredding Event, Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Community Center, 1710 S. 7^th Avenue, St. Charles, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• July 9: Traveling Office Hours, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• August 19: ICASH Unclaimed Property Event, Gail Borden Public Library District (South Elgin Branch), 127 S. McLean Blvd, South Elgin, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• September 4: Senior Fair in Carpentersville, Dundee Township Rakow Center, 665 Barrington Ave, Carpentersville, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• September 16 or TBA: Senior Fair in St. Charles, Details TBA
• October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Additional events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page on my website to remain up-to-date on outreach activities in the district.

Illinois House Passes Controversial Mascot Ban

On April 10, the Illinois House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1237, a controversial measure that would ban Native-themed mascots and logos in schools statewide.

The proposal requires affected schools to rebrand by July 1, 2026, unless they secure and renew approval every five years from a federally recognized tribe. At least 90 schools would be impacted, many of which face steep, unfunded costs to replace uniforms, signage, and other materials. This pulls valuable resources away from classrooms, teachers, and student services.

This bill ignores the local significance of these mascots, which often represent pride, heritage, and long-standing community identity. In some cases, schools have worked directly with tribes to ensure cultural respect and collaboration.

At a time when Illinois faces a multibillion-dollar deficit and rising financial pressures, lawmakers should focus on real fiscal priorities and not micromanage local school identity and traditions.

Senate Democrats Advance Dangerous Cannabis Bill

Senate Democrats recently advanced controversial legislation that potentially ties the hands of police and puts public safety at risk.

Senate Bill 42 removes the requirement that cannabis be stored in an odor-proof container and prevents law enforcement from stopping or searching a vehicle solely based on the smell of cannabis.

This proposal handcuffs law enforcement and undermines their ability to identify impaired drivers. The smell of cannabis has long been a reasonable and constitutionally accepted basis for officers to investigate potential impairment and, in turn, remove drivers who may be under the influence to ensure the safety of other drivers on Illinois roadways. If the smell of alcohol warrants further investigation, why should cannabis be treated differently?

I opposed the measure when it came before the Senate, arguing that the proposal sends the wrong message to Illinois drivers and discourages proactive policing of our roads.

SB 42 now advances to the House for further consideration.

Legislation to Improve Food Safety for People with Celiac Disease Passes Senate

Legislation proposed to improve food safety for individuals living with celiac disease passed out of the Illinois Senate unanimously.

Senate Bill 1288 would require all food handlers in Illinois to complete training on celiac disease and the safe handling of gluten-free foods. The bill also strengthens allergen awareness training by adding sesame as a major allergen and requiring a better understanding of gluten-related risks.

Under the legislation, food handlers would be trained on topics including the symptoms of celiac disease, methods to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and proper labeling of gluten-free products.

Senate Bill 1288 now heads to the Illinois House for further consideration.