Preston’s law to prohibit unlawful restrictive covenant modification fee

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Willie Preston led a new law to prohibit unlawful restrictive covenant modification fees in Illinois.

“No homeowner should have to pay to remove illegal, racist, or offensive language from their deed, “said Preston (D-Chicago). “As chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, I will always push for legislation that ensures that marginalized communities are treated equally in all areas of life including finances.”

House Bill 1575 prohibits a county recorder from assessing a fee for modification of an unlawful restrictive covenant or for copies of any records necessary to file the modification.

Currently, restrictive covenants are illegal and unenforceable as they violate the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. A person can go to the county recorder's office now and have a deed modified to remove a restrictive covenant but they may charge a $10 fee to do so. Under Preston’s law if the modification of a deed is to remove a restrictive covenant, the recorder's office cannot charge a fee.

“This law ensures that all citizens regardless of their race, national origin, ethnicity or religion will not be charged a fee for wanting to have property in our state,” said Preston.

House Bill 1575 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan 1, 2026.

Preston measure expanding advocate information for families of students with disabilities signed into law

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie spearheaded a new law to expand requirements for school districts to notify families of students with disabilities of advocates experienced in Individualized Education Programs.

“This legislation ensures that families know what services are available to them as they help their child navigate the educational space,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “All students deserve a fair and just education experience.”

Read more …

Preston law to expand implicit bias training for health care workers in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Implicit bias training surrounding maternal health for health care workers will now be required in Illinois, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Willie Preston.

“Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related cause of deaths than white women in Illinois,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Protecting maternal health care is about more than health care, rather it is about human rights and we must protect the rights of all mothers.”

Read more …

Illinois Secretary of State Flagship Building named in honor of Jesse White

Legislation championed by State Senator Willie Preston becomes reality with ribbon cutting ceremony

CHICAGO – In a historic and heartfelt tribute, the Illinois Secretary of State’s flagship building has been officially named in honor of Jesse White, the longest-serving and most respected Secretary of State in Illinois and American history. Following the successful passage of legislation led by State Senator Willie Preston, the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting took place today in Chicago.

“It was my honor to carry this legislation through the Senate to ensure the legacy of Secretary Jesse White is forever etched in the fabric of Illinois,” said Preston. “His decades of service, unwavering integrity, and transformative leadership have shaped not only the Secretary of State’s office, but public service in this state and across the nation.”

Read more …