SPRINGFIELD — Following the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, State Senator Julie Morrison highlighted key investments in support services and education after voting in support of the plan.

“Crafting a responsible state budget is always a complex undertaking, and this year was no exception,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “In a year where limited revenue and shifting federal support presented real challenges, we passed a budget that aligns with our core values and the needs of Illinois families.”

The FY 26 budget includes support for direct support professionals who play a vital role in providing daily care and services to individuals with disabilities across Illinois. Throughout budget negotiations, Morrison, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, fought to secure wage increases for DSP positions.

SPRINGFIELD — To protect Illinois residents from the long-term health risks posed by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would eliminate their use within common household products sold in the state.

“People shouldn’t have to worry about being repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals from products they use every day,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation is the product of extensive negotiations with state agencies and stakeholders to take a proactive response to a growing crisis.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a type of synthetic chemicals designed for oil- and water-resistant purposes. Once released into the environment or absorbed by our body, PFAS do not break down easily and can accumulate over time. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, immune system damage and developmental problems in children.

SPRINGFIELD — In response to growing research about the long-term health risks posed by PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals” — State Senator Julie Morrison is working to eliminate their use within everyday products sold in Illinois.

To reduce Illinoisans’ exposure to these chemicals, House Bill 2516 would ban intentionally added PFAS from seven categories of products sold and distributed in the state, including cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, children’s items, menstrual products, intimate apparel and food packaging. Morrison’s bill prioritizes products where PFAS exposure is likely to be frequent or prolonged, especially for vulnerable populations like children, and sets a 2032 implementation date to give manufacturers time to phase out their use.

“As we learn more about the risks associated with these chemicals, now is the time to take action to prevent long-term harm,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation can give people peace of mind that the items they rely on aren’t compromising their health.”

SPRINGFIELD — As children spend more time online for school, entertainment and social connection, they also face growing risks from online predators. To help law enforcement respond to digital threats against minors, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation to strengthen the Illinois State Police’s ability to investigate and stop online child exploitation.

“Protecting kids from online predators requires swift and coordinated action from law enforcement,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Online threats can originate from anywhere, and this bill gives Illinois State Police the tools and authority to pursue offenders effectively.”

House Bill 2586 would give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The legislation aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes would bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.