DeWitte-Sponsored Law Gives Law Enforcement Greater Flexibility When Responding to Juvenile Domestic Violence Cases
I am pleased to announce that criminal justice legislation I sponsored this year was recently signed into law. House Bill 5489 will give law enforcement officers in Illinois greater discretion when responding to incidents of alleged domestic violence involving juveniles.
This legislation passed both the Illinois Senate and House unanimously. It was signed into law on August 7 and took effect immediately. It amends the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to remove requirements that can limit law enforcement’s ability to respond to juvenile cases based on the individual circumstances involved.
This legislation is about giving law enforcement the ability to use their training, experience and professional judgment when dealing with a difficult and often complicated situation involving a juvenile. Domestic violence is serious, and we must always make sure victims are protected. But when a juvenile is involved, every circumstance is different. Officers should have the flexibility to evaluate the totality of the circumstances and determine the most appropriate response rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all process.
HB 5489 was an initiative of Kane County, where law enforcement and prosecutors identified concerns with the existing requirements and worked to develop a more appropriate approach for juvenile cases. My deepest thanks to out to Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser for highlighting the issue and working with legislators throughout the bill process.
The new law recognizes that we should trust the professionals who are on the ground and dealing with these situations firsthand. Additionally, it is important to note that this law does not make domestic violence less serious, nor does it take away protections for victims. It simply gives law enforcement the ability to respond appropriately to the individual circumstances of a juvenile case. That is a more thoughtful and responsible approach, and I am proud to have helped bring Kane County’s initiative to the finish line.
Senator Don DeWitte Brings Senior Expo Back to Carpentersville Rakow Center
I would like to invite area seniors and their families to the first of three senior expos I will be hosting in the coming weeks. The first one will be held this week on Wednesday, August 19, in Carpentersville. The free event will bring together over 30 organizations and service providers offering information, resources, and programs that help older adults live healthier, more independent lives. Admission is free and refreshments will be available.
Senator DeWitte’s Senior Expo
Wednesday, August 19
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Dundee Township Park District Rakow Center
665 Barrington Avenue
Carpentersville, IL
My Senior Expos are designed to make it easy for older adults to connect with organizations that can answer questions, provide helpful services, and improve their quality of life. In addition to over 30 informational booths, attendees can access a variety of free services in Carpentersville, including:
- IPASS on Demand assistance through the Illinois Tollway
- ICASH/Unclaimed Property assistance through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
- Senior transportation information from PACE and the RTA
- Hearing information provided by the Lions Club
- Blood pressure checks by Brightstar Care
- Vaccinations (optional) provided by Walgreens
- Veterans Information
- Library Program Information
- Health and Wellness Information by Sherman Hospital
- More!
Additional senior expos are scheduled in St. Charles on September 15 and in Crystal Lake on October 14. Please visit the Events page of my website to learn more about these events.
For additional information, please contact my district office at (847) 214-8245.
Low-Interest SBA Loans Available from July 2-4 Storms
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the severe storms and flooding that impacted six counties in northeastern Illinois from July 2–4, 2026. Counties included in this latest declaration are Kane, McHenry, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, and Kendall.
The declaration allows homeowners, renters, businesses, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for low-interest disaster loans to help cover damage and losses not covered by insurance.
Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest SBA disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Businesses and certain nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for physical damages. Applicants may also qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help address financial losses resulting from the disaster.
For online applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
The deadline to submit SBA disaster loan applications for physical property damage is Oct. 10, 2026. The deadline for economic injury applications is May 5, 2027.
Illinois Democrats’ Policies Continue Costing Jobs and Opportunities
Once again, Illinois is losing jobs and economic opportunities as failed policies under Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority continue to fuel an affordability crisis that is making it harder for families and businesses to stay in the state.
Tyson Foods has announced the closure of its Joslin facility, putting more than 2,000 Illinoisans out of work and delivering a devastating economic blow to workers, families, and communities throughout the Quad Cities region.
This also isn’t the first time Tyson has reduced its presence in Illinois. In 2022, the company announced plans to close its Chicago corporate offices and move approximately 500 positions to its headquarters in Arkansas.
Meanwhile, one of the state’s most iconic institutions is increasingly positioning itself to move across the border.
At a recent press conference, Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren announced that the team’s “sole focus” at this point is developing a new stadium and surrounding mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana. While the Bears have not formally ruled out Illinois, team officials say discussions with Illinois officials have been minimal and have been in constant contact with Indiana officials about moving the Hammond project forward.
While the Tyson plant closure and the Bears’ stadium negotiations are two very different situations, both should serve as warning signs about the direction Illinois is heading under Democratic leadership.
Illinois families already face some of the highest property taxes in the nation while paying more for groceries, utilities, housing, transportation, and other everyday necessities. Employers face many of those same rising costs when deciding whether Illinois is the right place to invest, expand, and create jobs.
Illinois has the workforce, infrastructure, location, resources, and communities needed to compete with any state in the country. However, after years of one-party control in Springfield, Governor Pritzker and the Democratic Supermajority have failed to build on the state’s advantages, leaving families struggling and businesses closing up shop.
DeWitte Announces Family and Adult Literacy Grants in 33rd District
I am always pleased to see state dollars coming back to the 33rd Senate District! I recently learned that the following Adult and Family Volunteer Literacy Grants totaling $395,117 are coming to the following communities:
- Crystal Lake: McHenry County College- $85,777
- Elgin: YWCA (0-2)- $52,500
- Elgin: YWCA (2-5)- $52,500
- Elgin: The Literacy Connection (Adult and Family): $99,840 and $52,000
- Elgin: YWCA (UMC)- $52,500
Adult and Family Volunteer Literacy Grants are vital in our communities because they give adults and children the chance to build essential reading, writing, and math skills that open doors to better jobs, greater independence, and stronger family life. These programs also create a ripple effect. Parents who improve their literacy are more equipped to support their children’s education, strengthening the next generation. By funding volunteer-based programs, these grants not only empower individuals but also help communities grow a stronger workforce, foster civic engagement, and promote lifelong learning.