Category: News

Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — Legislation strengthening orders of protections so abusers can’t access confiscated firearms is now law thanks to the work of state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago.

“Domestic violence survivors deserve to feel protected and reassured of their safety,” said Hirschauer. “With the successful passing of Karina’s Law last year, our state advanced safeguards to prevent further harm and death to survivors. This is another step forward. It’s an honor to help protect people who have already overcome so much.”

According to the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), domestic violence assaults involving a gun are 12 times more likely to result in death than those involving other weapons or bodily force. Additionally, in 2025, 68% of domestic violence homicides in Illinois involved the use of a firearm.

Hirschauer’s Senate Bill 3329 protects domestic violence survivors by making clear that it is illegal for abusers to access confiscated firearms. Senate Bill 3329 is a trailer bill to Karina’s Law, which strengthens the firearm remedy within the order of protection process by allowing judges to order the removal of guns from abusers who have been deemed a credible danger. Karina’s Law officially took effect on May 11, 2025.

Senate Bill 3329 will take effect on and after Jan. 1, 2027.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer to Host Free Community Shredding Event

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill.— State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is inviting community members to attend a free Community Document Shredding Event on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Chicago Public Library District, 118 W. Washington St., in West Chicago.

Hirschauer is co-hosting this free Community Document Shredding Event with state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, West Chicago Public Library District and SCARCE. Constituents will be allowed to bring up to three boxes or two paper bags of unwanted personal documents and records to be safely shredded.

“Identity theft is a persistent problem here in Illinois, so it’s important to provide a space for our friends and neighbors to get rid of needless clutter and safely shred personal documents,” said Hirschauer. “I’m excited to see our community come together for this event and help them with any questions or concerns they may have.”

Only paper materials will be accepted. Small paper clips and staples do not need to be removed. Shredding is accepted until the shred truck is full. Additionally, SCARCE encourages constituents to bring the following special items to be collected and recycled:

  • Holiday lights, cords and wires
  • Keys (household, luggage, car)
  • Eyeglasses and sunglasses (no cases)
  • Plastic bread tags
  • X-ray, MRI and Lithographic Film
  • Hearing Aids
  • Crayons

Shredding traffic must enter the event from Washington St. and exit via Turner Ct. No other items will be accepted for the document shredding and the special recycling items events. No RSVP is required for this event. For more information or questions, visit https://www.maurahirschauer.com/event/shred26-09/.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Back-to-School State Tax Holiday Aug 7-16

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Back-to-School State Tax Holiday Aug 7-16

With the start of the new school year approaching, State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is encouraging parents to take advantage of the Back-to-School State Tax Holiday on school supplies, clothing, shoes and other items over a 10-day period, starting this Friday, Aug. 7 through Aug. 16.

“As a parent and former teacher, I know how expensive it can be to gather supplies for the upcoming school year,” said Hirschauer. “That’s why, down in Springfield, I worked diligently with my colleagues to support a state sales tax holiday that’ll help parents and teachers pay less on the necessities their students need for school.”

Starting this Friday, Aug. 7, the state’s sales tax will drop from 6.25% down to 1.25% on common back-to-school items, such as:

  • Clothes and school uniforms
  • Shoes, boots and sandals
  • Seasonal apparel, including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats and gloves
  • School and office supplies, including paper, pens and pencils, calculators and writing tablets
  • Backpacks and lunchboxes
  • And more!

Some exclusions apply. To view a thorough list of applicable items and exclusions, visit the Illinois Department of Revenue at: https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins/fy-2026-30.html.

“Our students deserve quality supplies in their classrooms, and I hope parents and teachers are able to take advantage of this opportunity to buy school necessities at a discounted price,” said Hirschauer.

Chalkboard with text in white and yellow stating "From August 7 through August 16 you'll save on: Clothes and school uniforms, Shoes, boots, and sandals, Seasonal Apparel including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats, and gloves, School and office supplies including paper, pens and pencils, calculators, and writing tablets, Backpacks and Lunchboxes, and more!"
Blue graphic with small shopping cart filled with regular-sized school supplies. Texts states, "From August 7 through August 16 you'll save on: Clothes and school uniforms, Shoes, boots, and sandals, Seasonal Apparel including coats, rain jackets, swimwear, hats, and gloves, School and office supplies including paper, pens and pencils, calculators, and writing tablets, Backpacks and Lunchboxes, and more!"

July 2026 News

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
July 2026 News

This month, the Representative and her staff have been out in the community, listening to constituents, visiting local businesses, and talking about the issues that matter in the 49th District.

My office is always here to help connect residents with state resources and services for families, and individuals. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

District Office News

Birth to Five Illinois Roundtable

Our office joined Birth to Five Illinois for their roundtable discussion in Bolingbrook. This discussion covered a range of concerns affecting early childhood education and care that directly affects many members of our District 49 community. Hearing from parents, child care providers, and Birth to Five staff was incredibly valuable.

For more information regarding the event, click here.

Latino Policy Forum Early Childhood Research Launch

Our office learned from statewide early childhood champions at the Early Childhood Multilingual Learner Research-Practice Launch. Thank you to the Latino Policy Forum and the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative for conducting critical research on how we can best support English Language Learners in our early childhood spaces.

Click here to view the full Early Childhood Multilingual Report.

Canvassing Across the 49th District

Our interns were given the opportunity to join the Representative in canvassing constituents across the district, from Bartlett to West Chicago.

For more information about available Constituent Services, click here.

End of Session Town Hall

The End of Session Town Hall held in Bartlett was a massive success! The Representative presented the various pieces of legislation that she successfully passed this session, and spoke about what she plans to continue working on into the fall.

Click here for the full End of Session Round Up.

Small Business Tours

Our office attended a small business tour, lead by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. We heard from local business owners about their experiences as well as their feedback on legislative proposals. Thank you to the Chamber for putting together a great tour!

Click here to learn more about the Batavia Chamber of Commerce.

Illinois News

Keep Cool Illinois

With temperatures climbing higher, it is important that Illinoisans know how to stay safe and cool this summer. Be sure to hydrate, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed.

Visit the Keep Cool Illinois website to learn more.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is officially open as of July 1st. Many state processes pertaining to early childhood will be transitioning to the new department, including childcare licensing, early childhood block grants, and infant and early childhood mental health services.

Click here for more information about IDEC.

Illinois Arts Council’s FY27 Creative Projects Grant

The goal of the Creative Project Grant (CPG) is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must include a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period.

Click here to apply.

House Bill 5364 Passes

As of June 26th, HB 5364 has passed. HB 5364 strengthens the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Inspector General ability to investigate fraud, waste and abuse in the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). Not only will this allow for observation for IDEC operations, but it will also continue making sure the department runs smoothly and safely.

Click here to read more about HB 5364.

Senate Bill 3926 Now Law

On July 15th, Governor Pritzker signed SB 3926 into law, officially moving the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This bill, sponsored by Representative Hirschauer, will grant the council greater access to resources to help veterans with new therapies like MDMA and pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin, which are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety.

Click here to read more about SB3926.

Noticias de Julio de 2026

Este mes, la representante y su empleados han estado presentes en la comunidad, escuchando a los residentes, visitando empresas locales, y conversando sobre los temas de interés para el Distrito 49.

Mi oficina está siempre aquí para ayudar a residentes con recursos del estado y servicios para familias, y individuales.  Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda, no dude en ponerse en contacto con nosotros.

Noticias De La Oficina Distrito

Mesa Redonda de Birth to Five Illinois

Nuestra oficina participó en la mesa redonda organizada por Birth to Five Illinois en Bolingbrook. En dicha sesión se abordaron diversas inquietudes relacionadas con la educación y el cuidado de la primera infancia que afectan directamente a muchos miembros de la comunidad de nuestro Distrito 49. Fue de gran valor conocer las opiniones de padres de familia, proveedores de servicios de cuidado infantil y el personal de Birth to Five. 

Para más información de este evento haga click aquí 

Presentación de la investigación sobre la primera infancia del Latino Policy Forum

Nuestro equipo tuvo la oportunidad de aprender de líderes estatales del ámbito de la primera infancia durante la presentación de la investigación y las prácticas relacionadas con los estudiantes multilingües en esta etapa educativa. Agradecemos al Latino Policy Forum y a la Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative por llevar a cabo esta investigación fundamental sobre cómo apoyar mejor a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés en los entornos de educación infantil.

Haga clic aquí para consultar el informe completo sobre estudiantes multilingües en la primera infancia.

Nuestro pasantes tuvieron la oportunidad de juntar al representante a recorrer el distrito para interactuar con los electores, desde Bartlett hasta West Chicago.

Para más información sobre los servicios disponibles para los electores, haga clic aquí.

Reunión pública de fin de sesión legislativa

¡La reunión pública de fin de sesión celebrada en Bartlett fue un gran éxito! La representante presentó las diversas iniciativas legislativas que logró aprobar durante esta sesión y habló sobre los temas en los que planea seguir trabajando de cara al otoño.

Haga clic aquí para ver el resumen completo de fin de sesión.

Visitas a Pequenas Empresas

Nuestro equipo participó en una visita a pequeñas empresas organizada por la Cámara de Comercio de Batavia. Escuchamos a los propietarios de negocios locales hablar sobre sus experiencias y sus opiniones respecto a diversas propuestas legislativas. ¡Muchas Gracias a la Cámara por organizar una visita excelente!

Haga clic aquí para obtener más información sobre la Cámara de Comercio de Batavia.

Noticias de Illinois

Keep Cool Illinois

Con temperaturas altas, es importante que los habitantes de Illinois sepan cómo mantenerse seguros y frescos este verano.  Asegúrese de hidratarse, usar protector solar y tomar descansos según sea necesario.

Visitar el sitio web de “Keep Cool Illinois”  para aprender más.

Departemento de Primeria Infancia de Illinois

El Departamento de Primeria infancia de Illinois (IDEC) está abierto a partir del 1 de Julio. Muchos procesos estatales relacionados con la primera infancia se transferirán al nuevo departamento, incluyendo  la concesión de licencias para el cuidado infantil, las subvenciones en bloque para la primera infancia y los servicios de salud mental para bebés y niños pequeños.

Haga clic aqui para mas informacion sobre IDEC

Subvención para proyectos creativos del año fiscal 2027 del consejo de las artes de Illinois

La meta de la “creative project grant” (CPG) está proporcionar $12,000 para apoyar proyectos artísticos para artistas en Illinois, organizaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles, entidades municipales o universidades y colegios, Los proyectores de CPG deben incluir un difusión pública de la obra o presentación del trabajo realizada durante el periodo de la subvención.

Haga clic aquí para solicitarla 

Text"House Bill 5364 Now Law - Strengthening Inspector General oversight of the Department of Early Childhood. State Representative Maura Hirschauer" with photo of the Representative looking off to the right on a blue background.

Se aprueba el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara 5364

A partir del 26 de junio, HB 5364 se aprobó. HB 5364 refuerza la capacidad del Departamento de Servicios de salud y servicios familiares (HFS) Inspector General habilidad de investigar casos de fraude, despilfarro y abuso en el Departamento de Primera Infancia de Illinois (IDEC). Esto no solo permitirá supervisar las operaciones del IDEC, sino que también garantizará que el departamento funcione de manera eficiente y segura.

Haga clic aquí para leer más de HB 5364

El proyecto de ley 3926 del Senado ya es ley.

El 15 de Julio, gobernador Pritzker promulgó la ley SB 3926, transfiriendo oficialmente el consejo Asesor del Programa de Terapias Innovadoras para la Prevención del Suicidio en Veteranos al Departamento de Salud Publica de Illinois(IDPH). Esta ley, impulsada por la representante Hirschauer otorgará al consejo más acceso a recursos para ayudar a los veteranos mediante nuevas terapias –  como el MDMA y la psilocibina de grado farmacéutico— utilizadas para tratar el trastorno de estrés postraumático, la depresión resistente al tratamiento y la ansiedad.

Haga clic aqui para aprenden mas

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

On July 15th, Governor Pritzker signed SB 3926 into law, officially moving the Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This bill, sponsored by Representative Hirschauer, will grant the council greater access to resources to help veterans with new therapies like MDMA and pharmaceutical-grade psilocybin, which are used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression, and anxiety.

“Our veterans fought for America’s future. We owe them access to the future of medicine. Senate Bill 3926 strengthens the expertise needed to responsibly advance FDA Breakthrough Therapies that can bring new hope to veterans facing the invisible wounds of service,” Represenative Hirschauer said.

The Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program Advisory Council was originally created to inform the state of what healthcare infrastructure is necessary to best support Illinois veterans, and its new home in the IDPH will connect the council to expanded options and allow veterans to be better served by the state.

El 15 de Julio, el gobernador Pritzker promulgó la ley SB 3926, transfiriendo oficialmente moviendo el Consejo Asesor del Programa de Terapias Innovadoras para la Prevención del Suicidio en Veteranos al Departamento de Salud Pública de Illinois (IDPH). Esta ley impulsada por la representante Hirschauer, otorgará al consejo un mayor acceso a recursos para ayudar a los veteranos mediante nuevas terapias —como el MDMA y utilizadas para tratar el trastorno de estrés postraumático, la depresión resistente al tratamiento y la ansiedad.

Nuestros veteranos lucharon por el futuro de Estados Unidos.  Les debemos el acceso al futuro de la medicina. SB 3926 fortalece la experiencia técnica necesaria para promover de manera responsable las terapias innovadoras aprobadas por la FDA, las cuales pueden brindar una nueva esperanza a los veteranos que enfrentan las heridas invisibles del servicio, declaró la representante Hirschauer.

El Consejo Asesor del Programa de Terapias Innovadoras para la Prevención del Suicidio en Veteranos se creó originalmente para informar al estado sobre la infraestructura sanitaria necesaria para brindar el mejor apoyo a los veteranos de Illinois; su nueva ubicación en el IDPH conectará al consejo con mayores posibilidades y permitirá que el estado ofrezca una mejor atención a los veteranos.

Press Release: IDNR accepting OSLAD park development grant applications starting July 1

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

IDNR accepting OSLAD park development grant applications starting July 1

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31. 

A total of $37.5 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in economically distressed communities. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 20 underserved locations received grants for local park projects. 

In addition, communities whose parks need to be rebuilt as a result of storm damage are encouraged to apply for OSLAD grants. Under state administrative rules, entities recovering from storm damage can apply as physically distressed communities, allowing them to only need 10% matching funds. 

“Strong parks build strong communities. When severe storms damage our parks, the effects are felt by families, children and neighborhoods,” said IDNR interim Director Renee Snow. “OSLAD grants can help rebuild the outdoor spaces that are essential for community connection, resilience and well-being.” 

OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since it was established by the Illinois General Assembly in 1986, OSLAD has awarded more than $675 million for local park projects throughout Illinois.  

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31 through the Amplifund portal website. Before applying for a grant, entities must be registered and current in the state’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Act grantee portal. For more information, visit the OSLAD website or call 217-782-7481. 

About IDNR  

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources was established in 1925 as the Illinois Department of Conservation, bringing under one umbrella oversight of fish and game, forestry, public works, and lakes. Today, IDNR’s work encompasses management of about 400 sites across Illinois, including state parks and historic sites; wildlife, fisheries, forestry, and natural heritage; Lake Michigan water allocation and coastal management; conservation police; mines and minerals; oil and gas; issuance of licenses, permits, and numerous grants; the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta; and the Illinois State Museum. Visit https://dnr.illinois.gov and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn. 

Hirschauer-Backed Artificial Intelligence Safety Standards Legislation Now Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A measure creating new guardrails intended to prevent Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted catastrophic harm is now law due to the help of state Rep. Maura Hischauer, D-West Chicago. 

“As AI continues to evolve, it’s important to implement safety measures to protect our residents from being harmed,” said Hirschauer. “We have seen documented cases where AI chatbots have encouraged people to harm themselves or others. This is unacceptable. It’s our responsibility as legislators to create laws that protect our communities, and through this legislation, we are doing exactly that.”

As part of her continued effort to secure comprehensive public safety, Hirschauer backed Senate Bill 315, the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act. Under this legislation, large AI companies would be required to implement comprehensive frameworks for transparency and harm reduction based on independent third-party reports, including:

  • Safety incident reporting requirements, 
  • Disclosure guidelines, 
  • Whistleblower protections, and
  • Civil penalties for act violations. 

The legislation is meant to address AI-assisted violent crimes, weapons development, evasions of human control, or cyberattacks that could lead to the death or serious injury of more than 50 people or greater than $1 billion in property damage. 

Senate Bill 315 passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support, and was signed into law on July 6. 

“SB 315 ensures that as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Illinois is leading with commonsense safeguards that promote innovation while protecting the public through greater transparency, accountability, and responsible AI development.”

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

La legislación sobre normas de seguridad de la inteligencia artificial respaldada por Hirschauer ya es ley

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Una medida que establece nuevas salvaguardas para prevenir daños catastróficos asistidos por inteligencia artificial (IA) ya es ley, gracias a la labor de la representante estatal Maura Hirschauer (demócrata de West Chicago).

“A medida que la IA sigue evolucionando, es importante implementar medidas de seguridad para proteger a nuestros residentes de posibles daños”, afirmó Hirschauer. “Hemos visto casos documentados en los que los chatbots de IA han incitado a las personas a hacerse daño a sí mismas o a otros. Esto es inaceptable. Como legisladores, tenemos la responsabilidad de crear leyes que protejan a nuestras comunidades, y mediante esta legislación estamos haciendo precisamente eso”.

Como parte de sus esfuerzos continuos por garantizar una seguridad pública integral, Hirschauer respaldó el Proyecto de Ley del Senado 315 (SB 315), conocido como la Ley de Medidas de Seguridad de Inteligencia Artificial. Esta legislación exige que las grandes empresas de IA implementen marcos integrales de transparencia y reducción de riesgos basados ​​en informes de terceros independientes, incluyendo:

  • Requisitos para reportar incidentes de seguridad
  • Directrices de divulgación de información
  • Protección para denunciantes
  • Sanciones civiles por incumplimiento de la normativa

La legislación tiene como objetivo abordar delitos violentos asistidos por IA, el desarrollo de armas, la elusión del control humano o ciberataques que podrían provocar la muerte o lesiones graves a más de 50 personas, o causar daños materiales superiores a los mil millones de dólares.

El proyecto SB 315 fue aprobado por la Asamblea General con apoyo bipartidista y promulgado como ley el 6 de julio.

“El SB 315 garantiza que, a medida que evoluciona la inteligencia artificial, Illinois lidere el camino con salvaguardas basadas en el sentido común; medidas que fomentan la innovación al tiempo que protegen al público mediante una mayor transparencia, rendición de cuentas y un desarrollo responsable de la IA”.

Hirschauer-Led Legislation Establishing Early Childhood Oversight Now Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – A measure extending the powers of the state Inspector General to cover the newly created Illinois Department of Early Childhood is now law due to the work of state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago.

“Working with children and families can be sensitive and complex, so it’s important to have the proper authorities be responsible for making sure the department runs smoothly and safely,” said Hirschauer. “Government resources that help children and families across Illinois need to be handled with care and at the same standards as other departments. Illinois families, and more importantly, their children, are our number one priority, so we need to work towards protecting their resources and making sure they receive the help they need.”

House Bill 5364 would expand the authority of the Inspector General by allowing them to investigate and oversee the Department of Early Childhood. The Inspector General is responsible for investigating fraud, waste and misuse of government property or funds within the department and reports to the Secretary of Early Childhood.

Key provisions of the bill include removing outdated terminology, clearly defining classifications for licensed-exempt childcare providers, reducing delays and redundancies across the licensing process, updating licensing requirements to better reflect modern practices, increasing transparency for families and simplifying processes for providers and stakeholders, addressing challenges around background check requirements, and streamlining the background check process.

After the bill takes effect, IDEC will prepare to administer background checks following new guidelines and will implement the new exemption framework by July 1, 2027. This legislation reflects extensive deliberation and efforts among providers, advocates, and state leaders to further protect early childhood resources.

House Bill 5364 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on June 26 and will take effect immediately. You can find more information about the bill here.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Cracks Down on Junk Fees, Price Gouging Schemes with New Affordability Laws

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Major affordability measures cracking down on hidden junk fees and price gouging schemes are now law due to the work of state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago.

“In a time when the affordability crisis is hitting our communities hard, and families are already stretching every dollar, residents shouldn’t be tricked into paying surprise fees,” said Hirschauer. “You deserve to know exactly what you are paying for so you can make informed decisions on purchases. The price you see should be the price you pay.”

Often disguised as “convenience” or “processing” fees, hidden junk fees cost families over $3,000 every year, driving the affordability crisis and making everyday purchases more expensive.

Hirschauer worked to crack down on these hidden fees with House Bill 228, which is now law. The measure requires businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price and gives the attorney general’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees.

Hirschauer also worked to expand protections for people buying tickets to concerts and sporting events. In response to high-profile reports of abusive practices perpetrated by ticket resellers and AI-powered ‘bot farms’ purchasing mass amounts of event tickets to be resold at two or three times the face value, she passed House Bill 4984, which bans resellers from offering the sale of tickets they do not actually possess. Additionally, Senate Bill 318 bans the use of bots to buy tickets in excess of posted limits of online ticket sales or to circumvent electronic queues and other waiting periods. These measures are now law.

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Hirschauer Reflects on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Overturn

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — On the four-year anniversary of Roe v. Wade being overturned, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, issued the following statement on the work she has done in Springfield to protect abortion and reproductive rights across the state of Illinois:

“Four years ago, the Dobbs decision marked the culmination of a long-running extremist effort to strip away reproductive freedom. By overturning nearly 50 years of constitutional protections, the Supreme Court opened the door for politicians to interfere in deeply personal medical decisions, criminalize essential healthcare, and put the health and lives of patients at risk.

“In Illinois, we have chosen a different path. We are committed to protecting the right to make personal healthcare decisions free from political interference. That commitment continued on Wednesday as the Reproductive Health Records Privacy Act was signed into law—a measure I proudly advocated for and co-sponsored. This law safeguards sensitive reproductive health records, ensuring that out-of-state politicians and prosecutors cannot misuse private medical information to target patients or healthcare providers for care that is legal in Illinois.

“We also passed House Bill 3637, strengthening Illinois’ Shield Law by reinforcing protections for medication abortion and safeguarding healthcare professionals who provide lawful reproductive healthcare in our state. Together, these measures send a clear message: Illinois will not cooperate with attempts to criminalize reproductive healthcare.

“As attacks on reproductive freedom continue across the country, Illinois will remain a place where patients can access care with dignity, privacy, and confidence. I will continue fighting to protect reproductive freedom because every person deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions—without fear, political interference, or government intrusion.”

Maura Hirschauer headshot 2022

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185