Welcome to Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings' Legislative Website

Hastings child support reform continues with modernization of shared parenting law

SPRINGFIELD - Building on the landmark child support reforms he helped lead in 2017, State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced that legislation modernizing Illinois’ child support calculations for shared parenting has been signed into law.

“Families have changed, and our laws must continue to evolve with them,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “When we reformed Illinois’ child support system in 2017, our goal was to create a fairer, more balanced approach that better reflected the financial responsibilities of both parents. This new law is the next step in that process.”

Hastings served as the original sponsor of Illinois’ landmark 2017 overhaul of the state’s child support system, which replaced the previous percentage-of-income model with the income shares model. That reform better reflected the financial responsibilities of both parents while prioritizing the best interests of children. The new law builds upon that foundation by recognizing the realities of today’s parenting arrangements and ensuring child support calculations are more equitable for families with substantial shared parenting time.

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Hastings commends local disaster proclamations after July 27 storms

FRANKFORT - State Senator Michael E. Hastings today thanked Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant for issuing disaster proclamations covering areas impacted by the severe storms that struck the south suburbs and eastern Will County on Monday, July 27.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to President Preckwinkle and County Executive Bertino-Tarrant for their decisive leadership in declaring disaster areas,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “These local proclamations are critical first steps that position our communities to access the resources needed for recovery after the devastating high winds, tornadoes, fallen trees, structural damage and prolonged power outages that hit our region so hard.”

The storms produced extreme straight-line winds of 80 to 100 mph, confirmed tornadoes, heavy rain and hail. Hardest-hit communities included Crete, University Park, Steger, Monee, Beecher, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Matteson, Richton Park and other parts of eastern Will County and southern Cook County. Thousands of residents and businesses experienced significant property damage and extended power outages, with cleanup and restoration efforts continuing.

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Hastings calls for an emergency proclamation in the South Suburbs

FRANKFORT - In response to the July 27 storms that impacted the South Suburbs, State Senator Michael E. Hastings called for an emergency proclamation and released the following statement:

“After spending the past two days traveling throughout the south suburbs, one thing is clear: our communities were hit hard by Monday’s storms.

“I’ve spoken with local leaders, emergency managers, first responders and residents who are still dealing with widespread damage, extended power outages, fallen trees and significant cleanup efforts. While our communities have shown incredible resilience, the scale of this storm demands additional support.

“Today, I am calling on Governor JB Pritzker and the State of Illinois to declare the communities impacted by Monday’s storms a disaster area. Doing so will help unlock expanded state resources and relief to assist our residents, local governments and businesses as they recover.

“Our municipalities have worked tirelessly, but they should not have to shoulder this burden alone. The people of the south suburbs deserve every available resource to help them rebuild and recover.

“To all of our public works crews, police officers, firefighters, ComEd lineworkers, tree removal crews and volunteers who have been working around the clock, thank you. Your dedication has made a tremendous difference during a difficult week.

"I will continue working with state and local officials to ensure our communities receive the assistance they need and deserve.”

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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