Dupage Policy Journal

Senator Seth Lewis has announced a new resource and job placement expo aimed at supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (IDD) in Illinois’ 24th District. The event, scheduled for September 18, will be held in partnership with State Representatives Amy Grant and Jennifer Sanalitro. More than 50 organizations focused on the IDD community are expected to participate, offering information about services and job placement opportunities.

Lewis stated, “Advocating for Illinoisans with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities (IDD) has always been incredibly important to me, and I am excited to announce that on Thursday, September 18, I will partner with State Representatives Amy Grant and Jennifer Sanalitro in hosting a resource and job placement expo specifically designed for the IDD community.”

He added that workshops will be available during the event. For further details, constituents are encouraged to contact his office.

In legislative news, Senate Bill 2075—sponsored by Lewis—has been signed into law. The bill expands motorcycle safety training across Illinois by granting the Department of Transportation authority over curriculum standards and accreditation of courses. It also increases access to training centers statewide. Lewis noted that prior to this law’s passage, only one official Cycle Rider Safety Training Center existed in Illinois.

“This new law is a major step forward for road safety in Illinois. By expanding access to training centers and creating consistent statewide standards, we’re ensuring that more riders can get the instruction they need to stay safe, and that benefits everyone on the road. I am proud to help the State of Illinois lead by example through the passage of this bipartisan piece of legislation,” said Lewis.

Another measure co-sponsored by Lewis addresses driving test requirements for senior citizens. House Bill 1226 eliminates mandatory behind-the-wheel tests for drivers aged 79-87 during license renewal but retains vision testing requirements; rules remain unchanged for those over age 87.

Lewis explained: “Legislation I co-sponsored this year that ends discriminatory and antiquated driving test requirement for seniors has been signed into law.”

Several other bills sponsored or supported by Lewis have recently become law:

- Senate Bill 1289 updates insurance code definitions.

- House Bill 1502 clarifies agency roles near O’Hare Airport.

- House Bill 1362 closes a loophole affecting military personnel’s employment rights.

- Senate Bill 1238 requires health insurers to expand nonopioid medication coverage.

- House Bill 2772 ensures women’s sports stadiums qualify under state financing laws.

- House Bill 3677 prohibits prior authorizations for complex wheelchair repairs.

- Senate Bill 24 removes waiting periods before accepting missing person reports.

- Senate Bill 39 exempts veterans’ housing from EV charging mandates.

- Senate Bill 1999 updates transportation project evaluations.

- Senate Bill 2044 allows local governments digital signature options.

A new law backed by Lewis also extends essential support visitor rights to residents in Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs), ensuring equal access compared with other facilities.

Community recycling events are planned throughout DuPage County during September, offering electronics recycling, document shredding, textile collection, scrap metal drop-off events at various locations including Bloomingdale Township, Aurora, Roselle, Wheaton, Lisle, Villa Park and Winfield Township.

The Secretary of State’s office is warning residents about phishing scams involving fraudulent text messages claiming issues with driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations. Officials urge people not to click links or provide personal information in response to such messages; legitimate texts from the agency pertain only to appointment reminders.

An audit released by the Illinois Auditor General highlighted ongoing problems within DCFS—the Department of Children and Family Services—with most findings repeating previous years’ concerns about child welfare case management. Lawmakers continue calling for reforms following high-profile child deaths linked to agency oversight failures.

Lewis was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 24th District in 2023 after succeeding Suzy Glowiak (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3201).