Sen. Laura Ellman supports SB3645, advancing extension of Radiation Protection Act repeal

Sen. Laura Ellman (D-21st) cast a Yes vote for SB3645, a measure to extend the repeal date for the Radiation Protection Act of 1990, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois Senate. The legislation passed by a margin of 51-3 in the Senate.

The official bill language labels the measure as: "REGULATORY SUNSET-RADIATION."

The following is our summary based on the text of the bill, including clarifications to help explain key aspects.

This bill modifies the Illinois Regulatory Sunset Act by removing the Radiation Protection Act of 1990 from the laws set to be repealed on Jan. 1, 2027. The act is now included in a different section, setting its new repeal date as Jan. 1, 2037. Other professional licensing, insurance, and regulatory laws maintain their current 2027 repeal schedule. The intent of the bill is to allow continued regulation of radiation protection in Illinois for 10 more years. Upon becoming law, this measure takes effect immediately.

The legislative record for SB3645 indicates: 'House Floor Amendment No. 1 Senate Concurs.'

Ellman earned a BS from Grinnell College in 1987.

As a Democrat, Ellman was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2019, representing the 21st Senate District after succeeding former state senator Michael Connelly.

In Illinois, the legislative process involves multiple steps, beginning with a bill's introduction in either chamber, followed by committee consideration, debates, and votes in both the House and Senate before reaching the governor for a signature or veto. The General Assembly functions on a biennial timetable, and although many bills are introduced in each session, only a limited number are enacted into law.