SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of insurance rate hikes throughout Illinois, State Senator Michael E. Hastings has filed legislation aiming to prohibit insurance companies from engaging in “cost shifting” and to strengthen protections for Illinois consumers against unfair insurance rates.

“Cost shifting is fundamentally unfair,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Illinois families should not be footing the bill for losses in other states. This bill makes sure premiums reflect the real risks here in Illinois, not the costs of events thousands of miles away.”

Cost shifting is the practice of passing the costs of out-of-state catastrophes, such as hurricanes, wildfires or floods, onto Illinois policyholders. Hastings’ measure is designed to address this practice by ensuring residents are not forced to subsidize disasters outside the state’s borders.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings has introduced Senate Bill 2691, legislation that would examine whether Illinois families are paying unfairly high premiums due to nondriving factors that have little to do with actual risk on the road or in the home.

“Families in Illinois deserve to know that when they pay for insurance, the cost is based on their real risk and not on factors that may be discriminatory,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation is about protecting consumers, ensuring fairness and shining a light on practices that too often leave working people paying more simply because of their financial background or career path.”

The measure, known as the Non-Driving Factors in Insurance Rate Setting Study Act, directs the Illinois Department of Insurance to conduct a thorough review of how insurers use criteria such as credit scores, occupations, education levels and other socioeconomic factors to determine automobile and homeowners insurance rates.

MATTESON — State Senator Michael E. Hastings visited Matteson School District 162 last week to meet with Superintendent Dr. Blondean Davis and district leaders to discuss security measures, rapid response plans and other protocols designed to keep students safe. The meeting focused on how schools can effectively prepare for and respond to threats in today’s challenging environment.

“Parents deserve peace of mind that when they send their children to school, they will come home safe,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Senate Bill 2057 ensures that schools, local law enforcement and state agencies are working together with a clear plan. The safety of our children must always be our top priority.”

In light of school shootings and other acts of violence becoming far too common across the nation, Senator Hastings emphasized the importance of proactive planning and coordinated efforts. Hastings is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 2057, legislation he authored to mandate cross-coordination between government agencies, law enforcement and school districts when creating emergency response plans. The bill, signed into law earlier this year by Governor JB Pritzker, represents a statewide commitment to improving safety in Illinois schools.

NEW LENOX — State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The funding will support an upgrade to the district’s two-way communication systems, allowing the 9-1-1 dispatch center to directly communicate calls to stations while confirming that calls are both transmitted and received. This improvement ensures accountability, increases efficiency, and helps first responders deliver timely emergency response.

“This investment will strengthen the backbone of our emergency response system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “When a 911 call comes in, every second matters. By upgrading communication technology, we’re making sure our firefighters and paramedics get the information they need without delay, so they can continue protecting families in New Lenox.”