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CHICAGO – In an effort to establish AI safety standards and transparency requirements, State Senator Rachel Ventura co-sponsored Senate Bill 315, which was signed into law Monday.

“With the rise of Artificial Intelligence in all aspects of our lives, coupled with the lack of oversight, we face a looming crisis,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation sets a strong precedent to ensure AI developers abide by important safety standards and transparency in their processes.”

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that 15 public libraries and school districts across the 43rd District are set to receive more than $580,000 for library services, enhanced programming and construction and security upgrades.

“Today, more than ever, investment in our libraries is crucial to ensuring free and equitable access to the resources our libraries have to offer,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “From programming to a multitude of educational and literacy resources, these investments will continue the vital work of strengthening our community.”

Originally published by Capitol Hill News on June 26, 2026.

A bill to make solar power more accessible to renters and others who face barriers to the alternative energy source stalled in the Illinois Senate, but it’s likely to return in the fall veto session because lawmakers like the idea of helping residents with their electric bills.

Plug-in solar, also known as balcony solar, allows people to install small solar panel systems that can be plugged into normal wall outlets for personal use. Instead of a rooftop, the panels could be set up on a balcony, in a yard, or on a porch or patio.

“I think lawmakers really see this as an opportunity to give folks a way to have more control over their power bills. I think also, frankly, people just think this is cool,” Kavi Chintam, campaign manager for Illinois at Vote Solar, told Capitol News Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura’s measure to curb the growing influence of private equity and large institutional investors in Illinois’ housing market passed the Senate Monday.

“As working families struggle to find affordable homes and rising demand continues to drive up prices, we have a responsibility to preserve our existing housing supply for people, not large corporate investors,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Unchecked investor activity is pricing Illinoisans out of their own neighborhoods, and we need clear guardrails to restore balance.”