State Senator Darby Hills

08/31/2026

Weekly Update! 📩 Can you believe it’s already the last day of August? Even with a hot week ahead, fall is just around the corner. As we head into a new season, I’m looking forward to continuing to get out into our communities, listening to residents, and hearing what matters most to you and your family. There’s always something happening across our district, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect with the people I’m honored to represent.

Topics this week include:
• Protecting Kids in a Digital World
• E-Bike Legislation Signed into Law
• Keeping Our Community Safe Through Prescription Drug Take Back
• Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s Regional Conservation Gathering
• Celebrating Students at Summer Reading Ice Cream Social
• Grant Opportunity for Local Transportation Providers
• Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You

Read this week's update: https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/category/news/
Sign up for weekly updates here: https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/e-news/

08/29/2026

What a fun way to celebrate summer reading! Students from across the district joined us for an ice cream social after completing their summer reading.

It was great to see so many students this summer, celebrate their hard work and recognize them with a certificate from the Illinois Senate. Thank you to everyone who participated, and keep up the great reading! 🎈🍦📚

08/29/2026

I’m grateful we had the opportunity to bring our community together for an important conversation about protecting our kids in the digital age.

Thank you to Steve from the Chicago Tribune for joining us and sharing his perspective, and to everyone who helped make this discussion possible.

Keeping our children safe online takes awareness, education, and all of us working together.

You can read the full article here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/28/state-sen-darby-hills-social-media/

08/28/2026

Today I joined local conservation leaders, park districts, and community partners in Barrington Hills for the Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s Regional Conservation Gathering.

Protecting our open spaces, preserving natural habitats, and keeping our communities connected takes all of us working together. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the important conservation work happening in our region and discuss how we can build stronger partnerships to protect these spaces for generations to come.

08/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for “Kids in a Digital World” and to the experts from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Illinois State Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and our community partners for sharing important information with parents and caregivers.

From social media and cyberbullying to online exploitation, privacy and emerging technology, children and families are facing new challenges every day. These conversations matter, and I’m committed to making sure parents have the tools and information they need to help keep their children safe.

For parents looking for additional resources, a collection of online safety webinars is available here, including “Youth & AI: What Parents Should Know About Generative AI & AI-Generated Deepfakes”: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9108960

08/26/2026

As a mom, there is nothing more important to me than making sure our kids can get outside, have fun, and get home safely. That’s why I’m so proud to see our e-bike safety legislation signed into law.

I want to thank Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for helping lead this effort and for being a great partner throughout the process. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him on legislation that will have a real impact on families across Illinois.

This is exactly what government should look like, listening to people, identifying a problem and actually doing something about it. I’m proud we were able to turn those concerns into action and make our communities safer for everyone.

08/25/2026

CBS News recently highlighted the growing threat of Alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic reaction that can develop after a tick bite and leave people unable to safely consume red meat and other products.

This is exactly why I passed the TICK Act in Illinois.

The law requires Alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease to be reported and tracked statewide and by county, with the information made available to the public. It also helps ensure Illinois has the data we need to better understand these diseases and protect families.

Tick-borne illnesses are a growing public health concern. Awareness, better tracking, and early recognition matter.

Watch the full CBS News clip at: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-explosion-of-ticks-and-alpha-gal-syndrome/

08/25/2026

CBS News recently highlighted the growing threat of Alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergic reaction that can develop after a tick bite and leave people unable to safely consume red meat and other products.

This is exactly why I passed the TICK Act in Illinois.

The law requires Alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease to be reported and tracked statewide and by county, with the information made available to the public. It also helps ensure Illinois has the data we need to better understand these diseases and protect families.

Tick-borne illnesses are a growing public health concern. Awareness, better tracking, and early recognition matter.

This year, emergency room visits for tick bites have increased dramatically, corresponding with a new threat: a rise in Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), where one bite from a lone star tick can make you violently allergic to red meat. Correspondent David Pogue looks at how residents of Martha Vineyard are....

08/24/2026

Weekly Update! 📩 I have two big upcoming events this week. Come stop by! On Wednesday, I am hosting an educational event designed to help parents and caregivers better understand online safety, social media, and the hidden threats children may face, and on Thursday I am hosting a Prescription Drug Drop-Off Event in partnership to safely dispose of unused medications.

Topics this week include:
• WGN News: Highlighting E-Motor Safety and Legislation
• Information Session for Property Tax Assessments and Appeals
• Groundbreaking ceremony for the Grassmere, Haverton, and Oaksbury (GHO) Stormwater Drainage Project
• Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events Near You