SPRINGFIELD – The number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation has increased thanks to State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, a staunch supporter of education.

“We have seen the continued impact the teacher shortage has had on our students,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “By increasing the number of days substitute teachers can be in the classroom, we are providing students with consistency.”

Loughran Cappel’s law allows a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education and is still looking for a qualified, licensed applicant.

SPRINGFIELD – Submarine veterans in Illinois can get a special license plate on Jan. 1 thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Honoring the sacrifices of our veterans is one of my top priorities,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Our armed forces devote their lives to protecting our freedom. This is one way to show our support and thank them for their dedication and service to our country.”

House Bill 1581 allows the Secretary of State to issue United States Submarine Veteran license plates to Illinois residents who served in the United States Navy as a submariner. New York and Connecticut offer similar submarine service license plates.

The Illinois Secretary of State's Office offers a number of different specialty license plates. Requests for these license plates can be accepted at Driver Services Facilities.

SPRINGFIELD – Reconstructive surgeries for trauma survivors and vaginal estrogen will be covered by insurance starting Jan. 1 thanks to two new laws sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“We can’t let residents continue to be buried by health care costs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “People in Illinois should have access to the care and medication they need, regardless of cost.”

House Bill 1565 requires individual policy accident and health insurers to cover vaginal estrogen when it is medically necessary. The measure prohibits insurers from imposing a higher deductible, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement on vaginal estrogen than it would for a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

“Providing coverage for vaginal estrogen will help women with many of the side effects they have while going through menopause,” said Loughran Cappel. “Women need to have the tools to prioritize their health, and this law will allow them to continue living their best life.”

Loughran Cappel also sponsored House Bill 1384 which requires HMOs, Medicaid and individual and group health insurance policies to cover medically necessary reconstructive surgeries to restore a person’s physical appearance following trauma.

“We have to uplift survivors of any traumatic experience,” said Loughran Cappel. “By providing insurance coverage for surgery, we are helping survivors to continue processing and recovering from their tragedy.”

House Bill 1384 and House Bill 1565 take effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois veterans will be able to adopt a pet without paying fees on Jan. 1, thanks to a new law from State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedom,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Everyone deserves companionship, and we have seen the benefits pets can give veterans including improved health and overall happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s new law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

For our returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet is important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.

“This new law is a small way to show our veterans we appreciate them,” said Loughran Cappel. “I will always be an advocate for uplifting our armed forces, and I was proud to pass legislation that extends our sincere gratitude for their sacrifices, giving them an opportunity to adopt a pet without worrying about the fees.”

House Bill 2500 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024