SPRINGFIELD – Following the House passage of House Bill 3796 from State Representative Hoan Huynh, State Senator Rachel Ventura carried the legislation through the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday, seeking to protect Illinoisans from out-of-pocket charges for ongoing treatments if the appointment was scheduled before their provider was removed from the insurance network.

“As a former actuarial analyst, I saw firsthand how insurance companies prioritized profits over health care — that being the main reason I left the industry. When a doctor has been removed from a network, patients need time to transition,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation provides time for a transition of care for those currently undergoing treatments with scheduled appointments. It's one small change that can bring a bit of peace of mind to those currently undergoing changes in their medical journey.”

SPRINGFIELD – Through efforts from State Senator Rachel Ventura and State Representative Hoan Huynh, a Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system could soon be established under Senate Bill 2156. The task force would also investigate training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices.

“This measure is more than reforming systems — it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Regardless of their background, every child deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that create better paths forward.”

SPRINGFIELD – According to Pew Research Center, nearly a quarter of rural Americans say access to high-speed internet is a major problem in their local community. To increase high-speed internet access and expand broadband services across the state, particularly in underserved areas, State Senator Rachel

Ventura discussed the importance of Senate Bill 43 during a subject matter hearing in the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Friday.

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) issued a statement following the Joliet Police Department’s release of body camera footage of David Malito that occurred on Dec. 25, 2024:

“This video is incredibly hard to watch. Mr. Malito was clearly having a reaction to a substance during the time of arrest. But by the end we see a man face down on the ground, struggling to breathe while an officer kneels on his back and neck area and I’m left with more questions than answers.”