Category: Press Release

Hirschauer Joins Dupage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Joins Dupage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, joins legislators across the county for the DuPage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1, collecting purses, toiletries and notes of inspiration to support women in need.

“A purse is not only an item that holds our daily necessities, a purse is a canvas of our personality and our portable sanctuary,” said Hirschauer. “Through this donation, you’re showing a woman that someone cares for them and put a little thought into making their lives a little better. Let’s continue to inspire women everywhere and show them the care, love and respect they deserve.”

Ideas of products to pack into a donated purse include:

  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Shower/Bathroom Essentials 
  • Personal Care Products
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Socks
  • Chocolates and Mints

Constituents are highly encouraged to write a note of inspiration for the woman who receives the purse. Per Love Purse organization rules, only NEW purses will be accepted. Gently used purses will be donated to Goodwill. Shaving razors will not be accepted. For more information on what items you can donate, visit: https://www.maurahirschauer.com/event/dupage-love-purse-2026/. 

The DuPage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive is being organized by state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Westmont. Purses and toiletries may be dropped off by appointment at Hirschauer’s and state Sen. Karina Villa’s, D-West Chicago, district office or during any open hours at the Bartlett Community Center. 

WHO: State Representative Maura Hirschauer

WHAT: DuPage Legislators’ Love Purse Drive

WHEN: Oct. 1 to Nov. 1

WHERE: Bartlett Community Center, 700 S. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett, IL 60103 OR 

By appointment at Hirschauer’s and Villa’s District Office, 946 Neltnor Blvd. Suite #104, West Chicago, IL 60185

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

Statement from State Representative Maura Hirschauer on Attempted Mass Shooting at Hindu Temple in Aurora

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Statement from State Representative Maura Hirschauer on Attempted Mass Shooting at Hindu Temple in Aurora

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (updated 12:15pm 10/16/26)

“I am deeply disturbed by reports that a Palatine man planned and tried to execute an attack at a Hindu temple in Aurora. No one should have to fear violence, intimidation, or persecution because of their faith. Every person in Illinois deserves the freedom to worship, practice their beliefs, and gather with their community without fear.

I commend the community members and law enforcement officials whose actions helped address this alleged threat and protect our community. Their work underscores the importance of taking threats of violence seriously and acting decisively before lives are put at risk.

Hate has no place in Illinois. Period.

Antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Hindu hate, racism, and every form of religious bigotry must be confronted—not ignored, excused, or normalized. An attack on a house of worship is an attack on the fundamental freedoms that bind our communities together.

As Chair of the Illinois House Gun Violence Prevention Committee, I know that preventing violence requires more than responding after a tragedy. It demands vigilance, responsible policies, strong community partnerships, and a willingness to confront threats before they become deadly. We must continue working together to protect our neighbors and ensure that our places of worship remain sanctuaries—not targets.

To the Hindu community in Aurora and throughout Illinois: you belong here, your faith deserves respect, and you have the right to worship in peace. We will not allow hate to dictate who feels safe in our communities.”

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Maura State IL Icon

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 Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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.

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 to Host Free Community Shredding Event

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer to Host Free Community Shredding Event

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

Press Release: Governor Pritzker Signs SB 3926 into Law

Posted on by Intern Rep Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections 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.

“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
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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
Hirschauer Bill Strengthening Orders of Protections Now 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