Three Senior Fairs and a Shred Event Round Out Events Calendar for 2027
Event season is beginning to wind down, and I am pleased with the attendance we have had at all of the events I hosted this year. I am finishing out my outreach events for 2027 with three senior fairs and a document shredding event. All of these events are free.
Remaining events for the year include:
- August 19: Senior Fair in Carpentersville
- September 12: Document Shredding Event in Elgin
- September 15: Senior Fair in St. Charles
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake
These events are listed on the Events page of my website with full details.
Legislation Strengthening DCFS Transparency and Accountability Signed into Law
Legislation was recently signed into law to strengthen transparency and accountability in DCFS investigations involving allegations of child abuse or neglect.
House Bill 4242, which I was proud to support, amends the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act by requiring DCFS to include additional information in written notices of final determinations involving indicated findings of abuse or neglect.
Under the new law, notices must include a statement of the allegation and indicated finding, the length of time the finding will remain in the State Central Register, and information regarding the right to request an administrative appeal. The notice must also explain the deadline and process for filing an appeal, as well as the right to request a copy of the relevant investigative file.
House Bill 4242 takes effect January 1, 2027.
DeWitte Provides Legislative Update for Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber
Thanks to the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce for the invitation to join my Legislative colleagues to share information about what is going on in Springfield. We all had great conversation afterwards about how businesses are affected by the laws that are being passed.
New Law Requires Certain Businesses to Accept Cash
Recently signed legislation that I supported this year makes it easier for consumers to use cash for common, everyday purchases.
House Bill 4592 creates the Retail Cash Payment Act, requiring businesses such as gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants to accept cash for in-person transactions under $500.
The law is intended to ensure that consumers who rely on cash rather than credit or debit cards can continue to make essential purchases. Before the legislation was approved, Illinois did not have a statewide requirement for businesses to accept cash.
House Bill 4592 passed unanimously in the Senate and takes effect January 1, 2028.
Legislation Strengthening Assisted Living Standards Signed into Law
Legislation to strengthen standards for Illinois assisted living facilities was signed into law on July 24. I voted in favor of this bill.
House Bill 3392 updates the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act by improving the admission process for new residents, modernizing care standards, and strengthening accountability for facilities.
The law requires every resident to receive a comprehensive physical, cognitive, and psychosocial assessment before admission by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It also updates qualification requirements for assisted living directors, requires dementia and Alzheimer’s assessments to be approved by qualified medical professionals with geriatric experience, recognizes current medication administration practices, and strengthens enforcement for facilities with repeated compliance violations.
The legislation passed the Senate and House unanimously and takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Law Expands Military License Plate Eligibility for Illinois Veterans
Bipartisan legislation I supported this year that expands recognition for Illinois veterans was recently signed into law.
House Bill 4385 allows eligible veterans and military honorees to receive a second set of military specialty license plates under the same eligibility requirements as their first set.
Previously, Illinois law limited eligible veterans to one set of military specialty plates. Under the new law, veterans with multiple vehicles will be able to display the plates on a second vehicle.
The State of Illinois has special vehicle plates for veterans who received any of the following decorations: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross Medal, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Submarine Veterans, Global War, and the Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
House Bill 4385 passed unanimously in both chambers and takes effect immediately.