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SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her work to protect consumers, State Senator Rachel Ventura led a measure that would prevent retailers from requiring consumers to accept store credit instead of a refund through the Senate Wednesday.

“Illinois consumers shouldn’t be forced into store credit when they return an unused product,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “If a retailer accepts a return, customers deserve the option to receive their money back. This measure protects working families, increases transparency and helps ensure businesses treat consumers fairly.”

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her work to protect consumers, State Senator Rachel Ventura is leading a measure that would prevent retailers from requiring consumers to accept store credit instead of a refund.

“Illinois consumers shouldn’t be forced into store credit when they return an unused product,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “If a retailer accepts a return, customers deserve the option to receive their money back. This measure protects working families, increases transparency and helps ensure businesses treat consumers fairly.”

SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Rachel Ventura that would require companies to disclose when they’re using AI chatbots and not a human to talk with consumers passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“We’ve all experienced it before. You call a company for help, and the next thing you know, you’re frustrated by the lack of answers – only to realize minutes later you’re talking to a chatbot rather than a real person,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “People deserve to know whether they are communicating with a human or an AI system from the very beginning of an interaction.”

Originally published by WJOL on May, 11 2026.

Opponents of a planned $20 billion data center project in Joliet say big tech money arrived before public oversight.

Real estate developer Hillwood and PowerHouse DataCenters say their investment in the Joliet Technology Center will bring thousands of construction jobs and long-term revenue to strengthen city services.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition held a press conference outside Joliet City Hall on Monday. Activists said Joliet’s planning commission and city council moved the 795-acre project forward in less than three weeks.

State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, said most constituents do not want the Joliet Technology Center.