SPRINGFIELD – To support all students, no matter their needs, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate to strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“We need to make sure students with service animals don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Turner’s proposal, Senate Bill 2761, would set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

SPRINGFIELD – People in Illinois could soon have a quicker way to know whether their medications have been recalled under a measure spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“People need to be able to trust that the medication they are taking is safe,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By placing a centralized recall information source directly where people can instantly find answers, we are empowering patients with details about their health and safety.”

Turner is spearheading a measure to ensure patients can receive instant access to medication recall information without adding new mandates or responsibilities on pharmacists.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure recognizing April 11-17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois, reaffirming the state’s commitment to addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes for Black mothers and families.

“Every mother in Illinois deserves access to safe, respectful and high-quality care,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This resolution highlights both the challenges we must confront and the incredible work already being done across our communities to support Black maternal health.”

Black Maternal Health Week, led nationally by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, brings attention to the urgent need for equitable, culturally competent care and community-driven solutions.

Senate Resolution 713 recognizes the critical role of health care providers, community organizations and managed care partners. Turner’s resolution also calls for continued public-private partnerships and innovative care models that expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen accountability across Illinois’ maternal health ecosystem.

Turner encourages stakeholders across health care, government and community organizations to use Black Maternal Health Week as a platform for collaboration, awareness and action.

Senate Resolution 713 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner, alongside State Representative Mike Coffey, Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter unveiled an economic development plan for downtown Springfield Tuesday.

“Four units of government are working together in a bipartisan manner to provide economic tools that will finance and fund the development of a new hotel and the expansion of the Bank of Springfield Center,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We all share the same vision – a thriving downtown that strengthens our capital city while supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.”

Senate Bill 3499 would establish the Capital Area Tourism Authority as a political subdivision and unit of local government, allowing the authority to exercise certain economic development powers. Turner’s legislation aims to promote business, industry, commerce and tourism in Springfield, Sangamon County, and the state of Illinois.