Guzmán bill to enhance sanitary options for women on jobsites

 CHICAGO – In order to uplift construction workers who are menstruating or lactating, State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading a bill in partnership with Chicago Women in Trades to provide sanitary conditions, reasonable accommodations and menstrual products on job sites.

“We must ensure women and anyone who menstruates aren’t left behind in the workplace – no matter the job,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “The hardworking people of the trades should not be worried their bodies will impact their work in a negative way or vice versa. The common sense requirements in this bill will ensure sanitary standards are met and job site work is unimpeded.”

Senate Bill 3465 would advance health, safety and economic participation for workers on Illinois construction sites — especially those who are menstruating or lactating. The bill is about safer, more humane workplaces and about ensuring our skilled Illinois workforce can participate fully in our state’s economy.

The measure would provide that if a woman or individual who menstruates is present on a worksite and there are 10 or more workers of any gender present, then a separate toilet facility shall be provided and designated for use by women and individuals who menstruate.

The bill would establish minimum sanitary conditions and would require menstrual hygiene products to be available at no cost. It would further require employers to provide construction workers who are lactating with reasonable accommodations needed to express breast milk upon request and other reasonable accommodations. It also allows construction employees to call the certified local public health agency to request an inspection and prohibits retaliation by employers for such calls and provides for fees for violations of the proposal.

"For too long, the basic needs of tradeswomen and their families have been ignored by the industry,” said Cristina Barillas-McEntee, Journeyworker Plumber with Local 130 and Director of Tradeswomen Initiatives with Chicago Women in Trades. “Clean washrooms, menstrual products, and private space for nursing mothers are not special requests — they are what an inclusive worksite requires. This bill makes that the standard in Illinois.” ”

Senate Bill 3465 passed the Senate Labor committee Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Guzmán effort to ensure the right to wear protective medical equipment passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to enshrine the right to wear protective medical equipment without fear of retaliation passed committee Thursday.

“Protecting one’s health and body is a right that is under assault across our nation,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “No one should be harassed or discriminated against because of health equipment they need.

The Protective Medical Equipment Freedom Act – or Kiki’s Law – would give all individuals theright to wear protective medical equipment in public accommodations without having to disclose personal health information. It prohibits discrimination, harassment, denial of service, eviction, retaliation, or employer penalties related to wearing protective medical equipment, with limited exceptions for security and operational safety.

An initiative of Access Living and the Right to Mask Coalition, the legislation honors the legacy of Colette “Kiki” Walkington, who had complex medical needs. Following a kidney transplant from her father, Kiki relied on immunosuppressants and was at risk of serious illness. Medical masks worn by her family provided protection and allowed Kiki to live a fuller life.

“Access Living and the entire Right to Mask Coalition are incredibly excited to see SB 3340 pass out of committee,” said Sebastian Nall, policy analyst at Access Living. “There is much work to do, but we look forward to advancing this important legislation for Illinoisans with Disabilities. Thank you to our Chief Sponsor Graciela Guzman, Chair Rachel Ventura, and members of the Human Rights Committee.”

“The politicization of medical equipment is a threat to at-risk communities and public health,” said Guzmán. “We must ensure mask bans or other kinds of medical based harassment never occur in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3340 passed the Human Rights Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Guzmán promotes her NEST legislation to aid families

SPRINGFIELD – Seeking to improve maternal health and ensure new families have the support they need to thrive, State Senator Graciela Guzmán hosted a rally promoting her legislation to bring economic support to new mothers.

“NEST recognizes that if we want healthier babies, stronger families, and a more sustainable Medicaid system, we have to support mothers when it matters most,” said Guzman (D-Chicago). “NEST isn’t just the right thing to do for our families, it saves the state Medicaid dollars.”

The Newborn Equity Support Transfer – also known as NEST – gives new mothers on Medicaid $1,500 payment during their third trimester of pregnancy, followed by $500 a month for the first six months of their baby’s life.

Birth complications are incredibly expensive. A full-term birth costs Medicaid a fraction of what a preterm or low-birthweight birth costs. This can translate to $6,000 for a full-term birth versus up to $100,000 when there are complications.

In Flint, Michigan, a similar program allowed mothers to use funding on things like prenatal care, doulas, extra childcare, diapers, keeping the lights on, and putting food on the table.

“Too many families are forced to navigate pregnancy and early parenthood under crushing financial stress. The result is devastating outcomes for moms and babies,” said Sarah Saheb, director of Ecnomoic Secrui

“The Flint program led to fewer preterm births, fewer NICU admissions, and healthier outcomes for both moms and babies,” said Guzmán. “Those reductions translate into safer, more secure homes and less stress on our hospitals. I’m proud to be leading this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to make NEST a reality in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 3756 is awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations – Health and Human Services Committee.

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February Legislative Town Hall 2026