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A Recap of Illinois Legislative Session! - Heart Powered
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A Recap of Illinois Legislative Session!

The Illinois Legislature has wrapped up the 2025 Legislative Session! Thank you for using your voice this year to support policies that will make Illinois a healthier place. Here is an overview of important issues we worked on. A lot has happened, so this is a longer message than normal!

Chain of Survival Policies
Telecommunicator CPR (T-CPR) – SB 1295
This bill ensures that all 9-1-1 emergency medical dispatchers are trained to coach callers through CPR until help arrives. Early access to 9-1-1 and CPR approximately doubles the chances of survival for out of hospital cardiac arrest. In a huge win for survival after cardiac arrest, lawmakers passed T-CPR unanimously out of both chambers. Now all individuals across Illinois will receive this life saving instruction no matter what zip code you live in.

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERPs) in Schools – HB 3275
To strengthen the CERP bill that passed last year, HB 3447 established a designated CERP team in schools and required CERP drills. While this did not pass, we will continue to work with lawmakers to make schools safer by ensuring that teachers and staff are prepared in the event of an unexpected cardiac arrest.

Tobacco Control Policies
Raising the Tobacco Tax – HB 3606/ SB 2338
The Illinois Legislature passed a tax increase on other tobacco products, such as vapes and e-cigarettes, so that they are taxed at the same rate as cigarettes. This public health win will help reduce youth tobacco use while adding funding for tobacco prevention and cessation.

Nutrition Security Policies 
Healthy School Meals For All (HSMFA) – HB 2365 / SB 1419
HSMFA would fund free breakfast and lunch for every child regardless of their household’s income, including in early childhood programs. We advocated for increased funding that would expand the reach of HSMFA to feed more hungry students. However, lawmakers maintained the current funding level of the program. Over 315,000 Illinois children experience not having enough food, and we will continue to advocate for HSMFA to make sure no child goes hungry in Illinois.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Expansion for Military and Veterans – SB 32
Lawmakers passed a bill expanding access to SNAP for active military and veterans. SNAP expansion helps make sure that those who serve our country don’t have to worry about putting food on their table. This is a win for the health of active military and veterans in Illinois!

It was a very busy session, and your advocacy made a real impact on making Illinois a healthier place. It’s important to celebrate our successes and look ahead to all the vital work to be done in 2026!