Holmes measure updates prosecutors’ options to charge phone and electronic harassment offenders

• Cyberbullying
• Telephone
• Electronic Devises
• SB2741

SPRINGFIELD – In Illinois, law enforcement officers and prosecutors who charge suspects accused of harassment are seeing options to update the law to reflect today’s technology. State Senator Linda Holmes filed legislation to reflect the realities of how offenses are being committed in present day.

“The means to harass someone continues to expand from phones to electronic devices, offering platforms on which to send demeaning, frightening messages,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Emails, social media, forums and gaming are being used by those intending to cause emotional distress to the recipient, so laws need to be amended to address each offense separately.”

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Holmes and PaintCare roll out household paint recycling program in Illinois

• Household Paint Recycling
• PaintCare
• Drop Off at Retailers

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Linda Holmes welcomed representatives of PaintCare, Inc. to the Capitol to announce early progress in the new statewide household paint recycling program, created by Holmes’ 2024 Paint Stewardship Act.

Many households and businesses have old, unused cans of paint in their basements or garages; there have been few options to dispose of them safely. Beginning in December of 2025, designated collection centers at familiar paint retailers began opening across the state for environmentally safe disposal.

Holmes’ Paint Stewardship Act was passed and signed in 2024, and the program has been in development by PaintCare and their stewardship cohorts throughout 2025.

“Gathering cans of leftover paint from our homes and dropping them off at a nearby paint retailer will be a safe, convenient process for consumers,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “PaintCare has streamlined the safe management of this waste with paint manufacturers, and work with states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws.”

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Holmes reacts to governor’s proposed Fiscal 2027 budget

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes joined her colleagues Wednesday to listen to Governor JB Pritzker’s Fiscal 2027 budget proposal to the General Assembly, and released the following statement in response:

“The governor’s proposed budget provides resources for higher education, job training and apprenticeship programs, health care accessibility and affordability, and providing for children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. It makes our full pension payment.”

“Economic concerns are challenges we may face from year to year. Our most dire challenges today are unlike any our country has faced in our lifetimes: life-threatening and harsh cuts to essential federal programs that have been under attack by the Trump Administration.

“As we begin reviewing details in the Governor’s proposals, I remain committed to responsible funding for essential needs and affordable food, housing and electricity for all Illinoisans.”

Holmes announces $600,000 grant for Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve development

• Kane County Forest Preserve
• OSLAD Grant
• Wildlife Observation Overlook
• Muirhead Springs
• Whooping Cranes

AURORA — The Forest Preserve District of Kane County will receive a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help fund a project at Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve in Hampshire, thanks to strong support from State Senator Linda Holmes.

“This funding will bring a wildlife observation overlook at Muirhead Springs in Hampshire,” said Holmes (D–Aurora). “This elevated, ADA-accessible platform will give visitors of all ages and abilities the opportunity to see shorebirds and other wildlife frequenting the preserve, as well as existing acres of restored prairie, wetlands and open water restored in the past.”

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is one of 67 Illinois communities receiving this grant of $600,000, the maximum award for the OSLAD grants. The project, estimated to cost $2,001,400, will include an area for education, interpretive signage, a trail and small shelter.

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