Welcome to Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings' Legislative Website

Hastings advocates for domestic violence survivors with coerced debt safeguards

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation that protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, exploitation and human trafficking from being forced to repay coerced debt, or debts they never willingly took on. State Senator Michael E. Hastings, who has long pushed for stronger consumer and domestic violence protections, called the law a critical step forward.

“Economic abuse is one of the most powerful and least visible tools abusers use to trap their victims,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “When someone is forced to take on debt in their name, or has their identity used without consent, that debt can destroy their credit, block them from housing and jobs, and keep them trapped in dangerous situations. This law gives survivors a real path to reclaim their financial independence.”

House Bill 4659, which takes effect Jan. 1, allows survivors to stop collection activity by submitting a formal Statement of Coerced Debt, supported by a police report, court order or verification from a qualified third party such as a domestic violence advocate, attorney or medical professional.

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Hastings announces new EV charging station in Mokena

MOKENA – State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that the Village of Mokena will soon benefit from an electric vehicle charging station through a recently awarded National Vehicle Infrastructure Grant.

“We are continuing to see more and more electric vehicles hit the roads of the South Suburbs,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “As the landscape for vehicles continues to change and evolve, Illinois stands at the forefront of innovation. This new station in Mokena will help the South Suburbs establish a strong network for EV drivers.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced it is awarding $23.5 million through the latest cycle of grants, representing a new round of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding in Illinois and facilitating the construction of 140 new charging ports. Each of the 29 locations will have at least four fast charging ports to fully charge a typical EV from empty in less than 30 minutes. Nearly $1.3 million was awarded to Heartland Charging Services for a new station at a commercial site at 19818 La Grange Rd. in Mokena. All awards are contingent on the recipients entering into grant agreements with IDOT.

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Hastings’ missing persons identification measure signed into law

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is building on his missing persons investigation work ─ getting legislation signed into law that will accelerate the timeline for critical forensic data being added to state and national databases.

“This legislation hits close to the Southland,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Dan Davis, a hardworking man with a routine life suddenly vanishes after what may have been a health crisis. A daughter tirelessly gathering footage, organizing searches and raising awareness. Family and friends left in limbo, wondering if he’s safe, disoriented or in need of help. It reminds us how quickly life can change and how urgently we need better tools to bring people home.”

Under current law, missing persons cases are entered into state and federal databases and may eventually receive additional identifying data. Senate Bill 2949 will update the process so that if a person remains missing for 30 days after a police report, their dental record will be added to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System — rather than waiting longer under previous practice. After 60 days, the bill would require dental records to be entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the federal repository used to match missing persons with unidentified remains.

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Hastings encourages municipalities, park districts to apply for IDNR grant

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging park districts and municipalities in the 19th District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Some places become more than parks, they become gathering places where memories are made, friendships are formed and communities grow stronger,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We have made great steps recently with Fort Frankfort and Schussler Park. I am excited to see what comes next here in the 19th.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

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