Castro law boosts Illinois businesses, improves efficiency in state contracting

SPRINGFIELD — Easier and more efficient ways for Illinois businesses and diverse contractors to do business with the state are coming soon, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“Navigating the procurement process can be a daunting task for small firms. These are the businesses we should be lifting up – not making their jobs more difficult,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Improving efficiency in government contracting not only helps minority-owned businesses get their foot in the door, but also promotes competition and allows state dollars to go further in supporting these projects.”

To eliminate long-standing obstacles and increase diversity in state contracting, the law – previously House Bill 5511 – takes steps to modernize the procurement process, improve transparency, encourage responsible competition and safeguard taxpayer dollars in infrastructure projects.

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Castro law empowers family recovery, safeguards maternal and infant health

Substance use disorder is the leading cause of maternal mortality in Illinois, driving longtime maternal health leader State Senator Cristina Castro to pass a law to proactively address substance use disorders during pregnancy to protect both maternal and infant health.

“Setting up more intervention points along the way for women to seek treatment will help minimize harms and ultimately help get newborns and their mothers the care they need,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By putting infant and maternal health first, with a strong focus on comprehensive support for the whole family, we can create stronger, healthier communities throughout our state.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the leading cause of pregnancy-related death is substance use disorder, which comprised 32% of pregnancy-related deaths from 2018 to 2020. To address this, the Illinois Maternal Mortality Review Committee recommended the state implement family recovery plans for pregnant and postpartum patients with substance use disorders.

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Illinois workers to see stronger anti-retaliation protections under Castro law

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State Senator Cristina Castro led a new law strengthening Illinois’ anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise the alarm about issues like fraud, intimidation and workplace safety.

“Employees should be empowered to stand up and speak out about fraud, abuse, criminality and exploitation in the workplace – not intimidated into silence,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’ve fought tooth and nail against unethical practices like wage theft, and expanding protections from retaliation is one more important step in safeguarding the rights of all workers in our state.”

House Bill 5561 enhances workplace whistleblower protections by expanding what is considered protected activity, granting broader remedies to affected employees, and giving the Illinois Attorney General the ability to act on behalf of workers whose employers have retaliated against them for disclosing a dangerous or unlawful practice, including public health threats. The law broadens the definition of retaliation to include blacklisting an employee from future opportunities.

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Insurance coverage for IVF expanded under new Castro law

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Reproductive care and treatment remain legal, protected and accessible in Illinois

Standing strong on the issue of safeguarding women’s health, State Senator Cristina Castro championed the effort to expand access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization through a measure signed into law Friday.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans, leaving thousands of hopeful parents in Illinois and across the United States unable to have a child on their own,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The possibility of starting a family through advanced treatments like IVF represents hope for so many of these individuals – and this law takes steps to protect and expand access for the thousands who rely on it.”

To address cost barriers that limit access to treatments like IVF for families across the state, the new law requires every group health insurance policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting Jan. 1, 2026. It also adds coverage for an annual menopause health visit for those age 45 and older.

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