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Anna Moeller
State Rep. Moeller – New Year, New General Assembly- Newsletter

Happy 2025! On Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, I was honored to be sworn in, along with my colleagues in the Illinois House of Representatives, for another term. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to continue representing and serving the great 43rd District in Springfield. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of our community in new leadership roles in the House.

For this term, I have been appointed Chairwoman of the House Human Services Appropriations Committee, Chair of the House “Green” Caucus, as a member of the bicameral Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, and as a member of the House Leadership Team as pending Chair of the House Progressive Caucus. I was also appointed to serve as Vice-Chair of the House Education Administration, Licenses and Charter Committee as well as a member of the House Energy and Environment, Healthcare Licenses, and Human Services Committees. The 104th General Assembly will begin meeting on Tuesday, January 28th. Over the coming weeks, bills will be introduced for consideration in the House and Senate, and committees will begin their work. As the year progresses, I will keep you updated on the FY26 State Budget, important new bills, and issues on the legislature’s docket. 

Before Inauguration Day, the 103rd General Assembly met for “Lame Duck” session to pass legislation still awaiting action. The newsletter below summarizes the major bills we passed.

If you ever have any questions, concerns, or requests for assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at staterepmoeller@gmail.com or 847-841-7130. It is an honor to represent you in Springfield; my staff and I look forward to serving you.

Warmest Regards,

Anna

Updates from “Lame Duck” Session 

Making Communities Safer Through “Karina’s Law”

The risk of intimate partner violence increases by 500% if an abuser has a gun, and 1/5 of domestic violence homicide victims are killed within two days of an Order of Protection being issued. Karina’s law– named in honor of Karina Gonzalez, who was shot and killed by her husband after she had filed an Order of Protection that could have removed the firearm from his possession– clarifies, strengthens, and maintains consistency in Illinois law regarding firearm removal enforcement.

This bill requires a firearm to be removed when a domestic violence survivor is granted a firearm remedy in an Order of Protection. It also closes a loophole in state law by barring the transfer of firearm ownership when a firearm remedy is granted, and it creates additional avenues of relief when an Order of Protection is not needed by expanding the list of petitioners covered in the Firearm Restraining Orders Act.

Restoring Native Rights

Nearly 200 years ago, the U.S. Government illegally seized and auctioned off 1,300 acres of treaty-recognized land that belonged to Chief Shab-eh-nay and members of the Potawatomi Nation while the Chief was visiting family in Kansas. During the past legislative session, Illinois took steps to correct this injustice.

In 2024, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation became the first federally recognized Native American nation in Illinois, and the U.S. Department of Interior placed portions of their northern Illinois reservation land into a trust. This land includes Shabbona Lake State Park. The State of Illinois will transfer ownership and stewardship of Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band, allowing them to exercise sovereignty over the land.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will enter into a land management agreement with the Nation to maintain the park

Moeller Bill to Protect Nursing Home Residents from Retaliation

On January 5th, Rep. Moeller passed a law to protect nursing home residents from retaliation if they report abuse or neglect. This law would allow residents to file civil lawsuits against long-term care facilities if they are threatened or face retaliation for reporting. It also requires nursing homes to notify residents annually of their rights regarding retaliation and the process for making complaints.

This measure will help protect some of Illinois’ most vulnerable residents and ensure residents are protected when they speak up on problems they face in facilities.

Enhancing Privacy Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence 

Illinois is reforming the requirements for changing one’s name to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking or harassment. During the Lame Duck Session, the General Assembly passed a measure allowing anyone living in Illinois for at least three months to change their name without having to publicly declare it.  

In the Community
Donation Drop Off

Thank you to all who donated during our winter coat drive in December! All donations have been dropped off to our community partners who serve our homeless neighbors. We look forward to this drive every year and are always moved by the community’s generosity.

If you or someone you know needs help finding shelter, a warm meal, or home heating assistance, please check out the resources listed in this Newsletter’s “Community Resources” Section.
Mobile DMV

On Saturday, January 18th, Rep. Moeller’s office partnered with the Gail Borden Public Library for a Mobile DMV with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. This handy resource helped many members of our community apply for their REAL IDs before May 2025.

If you need more information on obtaining a REAL ID before the May 7th deadline, visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s Website: https://realid.ilsos.gov/, where you will find a list of necessary documents to apply for and be issued a REAL ID.
Coffee Shop Stop

On Tuesday, January 21st, Rep. Moeller hosted her first Coffee Shop Stop of the new year. Attendees asked about pension reform, the region’s transit system, and changing Illinois’ laws regulating driving tests and license renewal for seniors. We also discussed Elgin’s response to the housing crisis and Tent City and how local plumbing codes affect small businesses.

If you have any questions or concerns about state or local issues you want to share with Rep. Moeller, call the office at 847-841-7130. You can also keep an eye out for information on next month’s Coffee Shop Stop. 

Community Resources
Home Energy Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services during the winter months.

If you need help with gas and heating, please contact the Office of Community Assistance at 833-711-0374 or check your eligibility at the link below:

https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html
Home Weatherization
The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs. The program provides residents with health and safety upgrades and helps them make their homes and apartments more energy-efficient. This includes water heater repair or replacement and ventilation and moisture control measures. You can learn more at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s web page:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/homeweatherization.html.
United Way 2-1-1

United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline is a one-stop call for all human services in the area, including rental assistance and shelter, utility assistance, clothing, and food pantries. The service is free and confidential. If you want to learn more about 2-1-1 for the metro area, which includes Elgin, please visit 211metrochicago.org. If you want to learn more about 2-1-1 for the suburban Fox Valley region, please visit foxvalleyunitedway.org.

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