Hastings advances bill to protect homeowners from ‘storm chaser’ contractor scams

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“When families are rebuilding after a fire or storm, they can be susceptible to high pressure tactics,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “You get these storm chasers who promise the world and pressure homeowners to sign contracts on the spot.”

Senate Bill 3029 would prohibit a contractor from offering home repair or remodeling services while a loss-producing event, such as a fire or storm, is occurring at the premises; while the fire department or emergency personnel are engaged at the premises; or between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. The measure would still allow consumers to initiate solicitation with contractors during these scenarios.

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Hastings calls for legislative action on homeowners insurance rates despite record auto rebate from State Farm

SPRINGFIELD — Since October 2024, State Senator Michael Hastings has been raising concerns about steep and unjustified homeowners insurance rate increases affecting families across Illinois and has repeatedly called for legislative reforms to protect consumers. Hastings is again urging legislative action to protect homeowners after State Farm recently announced a historic dividend for auto insurance customers.

“Illinois families deserve a system that protects consumers, demands transparency and ensures rates are based on real data and fair standards,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We will continue pressing forward until homeowners receive the same level of fairness and relief that auto policyholders are now beginning to see.”

Hastings has introduced multiple bills focused on addressing excessive increases in homeowners and auto insurance premiums, strengthening transparency in rate setting and ensuring stronger oversight of insurance companies.

Homeowners continue to face significant premium increases with little explanation or accountability. Many Illinois residents have experienced sharp rate spikes while lacking clear information about how those increases are calculated.

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Hastings: new legislation could save homes, protect equity for families facing tax sales

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting legislation designed to provide critical relief to Cook County homeowners at risk of losing their homes in the county’s 2023 tax sale. Hastings, a chief co-sponsor on the bill, worked to pass the measure through the Senate.

“Many families in Cook County have invested their life savings and built equity in their homes, only to face the threat of losing everything over unpaid taxes,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation provides homeowners with breathing room, ensures fairness in the process, and protects their constitutional property rights.”

House Bill 598 would postpone the filing deadline for the annual tax sale from March 10, 2026, to December 1, 2026, while also suspending interest accrual on delinquent taxes during the extension. This additional time gives residents an opportunity to redeem their property or work with county officials to resolve outstanding tax issues before homes are permanently lost.

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Hastings supports effort to modernize child support for shared parenting families

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is backing legislation aimed at modernizing how child support is calculated when parents share significant parenting time.

“When parents share time and responsibility, our laws should recognize that,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This bill reduces unnecessary conflict, brings greater clarity to the process and keeps the focus where it belongs — on the well-being of children.”

Senate Bill 3524 would update child support calculations in cases where both parents are actively involved in raising their children. The legislation would build on Illinois’ income shares model, originally sponsored by Hastings, which shifted the state away from a one-sided percentage formula toward a more balanced approach that considers both parents’ incomes, the needs of the child and real-world parenting arrangements.

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