Koehler law improving parental access to student mental health records takes effect

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, the right of parents to have full access to their child’s mental health records will be on the books thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Families deserve straightforward access to essential information that impacts their child’s educational success and mental well-being,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law ensures parents and caregivers have the tools to understand their child’s mental health needs better, and advocate effectively for their education.”

House Bill 2994 permits parents or guardians of students receiving special education services to access their child’s mental health records regarding services the parent or guardian consented to on the child’s behalf. Additionally, a designated representative of a student who is 18 or older will have access to these records. This law strengthens communication and helps close the information gap between families, teachers and school administrators.

Under previous law, parental access to these records can be unclear or limited as students grow older, potentially hindering effective care coordination.

“This law removes barriers that sometimes leave parents feeling disconnected from their child’s care,” Koehler said. “With better access to these records, parents, educators and health care providers can work more closely to create the supportive educational environments our students deserve.”

House Bill 2994 takes effect Jan. 1.

Koehler's new law puts vaccine guidance at the forefront

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

The new law comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level.

It will clarify advisory duties for the Department of Public Health’s medical director and require the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to advise the director on diseases for which a vaccine is licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This aims to give the state advisory committee more authority to advise the director on vaccine guidelines that protect Illinois public health in the absence of federal action.

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Koehler highlights bill to boost vaccine transparency

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler today advanced House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response.

“Families deserve straightforward, evidence-based information when making health decisions for their children,” Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “This bill makes sure medical experts are directing immunization policy while strengthening protections around who can administer vaccines to young children.”

House Bill 767 comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level.

The legislation would strengthen advisory duties for the Department of Public Health’s medical director and require the Illinois Immunization Advisory Committee to advise the director on diseases for which a vaccine is licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This aims to give the state advisory committee more authority to advise the director on vaccine guidelines that protect Illinois public health in the absence of federal action.

As consumer protections and insurance coverage at the federal level are rolled back, this legislation would require health insurance plans to cover, without cost-sharing, immunizations that are recommended within the State Guidelines for Communicable Disease Prevention. Under this bill, coverage would take effect within 15 days after becoming law, removing a financial barrier to timely access for families.

“By centering medical expertise, transparency and clear rules, House Bill 767 will help families make informed choices and give providers the guidance they need to protect public health,” Koehler said.

House Bill 767 passed the Senate Thursday.

Nearly $98 million coming to Peoria and Bloomington-Normal roads with support from Koehler

PEORIA – State Senator Dave Koehler helped secure nearly $98 million to improve roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure in Central Illinois.

“Investing in our infrastructure provides safer travel and boosts the connection of our communities,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “With this funding, we are improving daily commutes, and building a stronger foundation for our local economies.”

The most extensive multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in the state's history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility, and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Koehler represents will see infrastructure projects totaling close to $98 million next year.

“Every mile of road we repair and every bridge we strengthen is an investment in the people of Central Illinois,” Koehler said. “These projects connect workers to jobs, farmers to markets, and families to each other. By laying this groundwork today, we are creating a more interconnected future for our communities.”

A full list of projects in the 46^th District can be found here.