SPRINGFIELD – Epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, will now cost a maximum of $60 per twin-pack thanks to a law backed by State Senator Christopher Belt.

“EpiPens are crucial. Every person who relies on EpiPens should have affordable, reliable access,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The high cost of this life-saving medication has been a significant barrier for many individuals and families, putting their health and well-being at major risk.”

EpiPens are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage has made the medication increasingly difficult to obtain. The cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400.

The new Belt-backed law will limit the cost of EpiPens to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.

“No one should have to choose between their health and financial stability,” said Belt. “This new law will provide peace of mind to those who rely on EpiPens and ensure that they can access this vital medication when they need it most.”

House Bill 3639 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – Harm reduction drug education will now be available to public K-12 students in Illinois thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt.

“It is important to acknowledge that current substance abuse education isn’t reflective of Black and Brown communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law will place emphasis on cultural competency and harm reduction, making substance abuse prevention achievable for all populations — regardless of students’ races or backgrounds.” 

The new law will introduce research-informed, culturally and age appropriate, prevention-centric guidelines for drug education programs in Illinois public K-12 education.

Current drug education recommendations and programs, like "D.A.R.E", focus on refusal skills rather than harm reduction. Refusal skills are still necessary; however, students, parents and staff are not equipped with the full continuum of primary prevention and intervention strategies. Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that include safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.

“This does not attempt to minimize or ignore the harm and danger associated with illicit drug use,” said Belt. “More so, we are recognizing concerns such as poverty, race, discrimination and inequity as individual vulnerabilities that affect the ways students deal with drug-related harm.”

Senate Bill 2223 was signed on Friday and goes into effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law to help recruit qualified law enforcement and county corrections officers to work in Illinois

“It only makes sense to simplify the process of training requirements for qualified and experienced officers who are coming to serve our state,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We are streamlining the application process for these officers so they can begin their new positions in Illinois in a timely manner.”

The new law will require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to create an employment waiver process for a person previously employed and qualified as a law enforcement or county corrections officer under federal law or the laws of any other state.

Previously, all law enforcement and county corrections officers in Illinois were required to meet specific training standards set by LETSB before they could be employed in the state.

“The last thing we want is to deter people away from law enforcement employment opportunities in Illinois,” said Belt. “This new law will save the state both time and resources, while ensuring we recruit experienced and qualified officers.”

Senate Bill 1754 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will establish the Justice40 Oversight Committee to bring forth federal climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities.

“Representing a district with various disadvantaged communities, this initiative has the potential to enhance these affected areas,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By creating this committee, residents can be assured that Illinois is taking action and prioritizing investments in climate and clean energy in our most vulnerable communities.”

The federal government created the Justice40 initiative to confront and address decades of underinvestment in disadvantaged communities. The initiative is to deliver at least 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.

The new law will create the Justice40 Oversight Committee to advance this federal initiative in the state. The committee will be responsible for compiling findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding environmental justice and uses of federal funds for climate change and clean energy purposes.

“This shows that Illinois is ahead of the game when it comes to transitioning to a clean energy economy,” said Belt. “It further ensures the most vulnerable communities are not left behind while doing so.”

House Bill 2487 was signed on Friday and goes into effect immediately.