Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter Legislative Website

Hunter advances measure to expand coverage for genetic testing

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter is leading a measure to prohibit cost-sharing on the coverage of clinical genetic testing.

“Early detection saves lives,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When we remove financial barriers to genetic testing, we empower patients to take proactive steps before a diagnosis becomes a crisis.”

Building on her support for equitable health care, Hunter is leading House Bill 3605. The measure would prohibit cost-sharing on the coverage of clinical genetic testing and any subsequent tests after a positive result for an inherent gene mutation is received.

Under current law, insurance plans are required to cover clinical genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a personal or family history of cancers as recommended by a health care professional. The current coverage limits the total amount that an individual is required to pay for a clinical test to $50.

“When a health care professional recommends genetic testing, cost should never be the reason a patient says no,” said Hunter. “This measure ensures that medical decisions stay between patients and their doctors — not their bank accounts.”

House Bill 3605 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Tuesday.

Hunter honors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter proclaimed May 6, 2026 as Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in honor of the historically African-American sorority leading in service and scholarship for 118 years.

“Alpha Kappa Alpha is an organization that has gracefully served a range of communities since its inception,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It has been an honor to be a part of a lifelong sisterhood such as this one. We continue to uphold the morals we were founded on, and it brings me much joy to see.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was founded on Jan. 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. to promote high scholastic ability, service and friendship between college women. The sorority has nearly 400,000 members and continues to grow internationally. In Illinois, the sorority has a total of 50 chapters – with 18 located on college and university campuses and 32 alumnae chapters located within various communities throughout the state.

Hunter, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, spearheaded Senate Resolution 734 to acknowledge the work of the sorority and its “service to all mankind.” The sorority has initiatives dedicated to building within their own communities, advocating for social justice, working to create better environments, along with many more. Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to soar in service and sisterhood.

Senate Resolution 734 was adopted by the Senate on Wednesday.

Hunter moves to eliminate discriminatory limits for disability insurance

SPRINGFIELD — Disability insurance helps protect people from financial losses if an accident or illness renders them incapable of working and receiving regular income. However, disability insurance plans do not always treat mental health conditions the same as physical health conditions. To help those struggling with mental health conditions, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a bill in the Senate that would ensure insurance providers properly disclose mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes.

“Mental illness limitations for disability insurance purposes is discriminatory and unfairly limits the economic protection that disability insurance is intended to promise,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Insurance providers need to be upfront with their customers about how their policy treats mental health disorders.”

Hunter’s bill would require private health insurers to disclose to consumers seeking a policy that includes whether the policy limits the duration of coverage for mental health or substance use disorders. The bill would also give consumers the right to request more information about the limitation and other coverage options that include unlimited duration, if available. 

The Department of Insurance found that 68% of disability insurance plans offered in Illinois limit mental health and substance use disorder benefits. 

Senate Bill 1327 passed the full Senate Thursday.

Hunter measure targets harmful “forever chemicals” found in beauty products

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans are one step closer to knowing the cosmetics on their bathroom shelves won’t make them sick long term thanks to a measure led by State Senator Mattie Hunter to ban such items from containing polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS, or "forever chemicals."

“For too long, the cosmetics industry has operated without the kind of oversight we apply to food, medicine and drinking water,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “We are working to close that gap and put Illinois at the forefront of a national movement to hold manufacturers accountable for what goes into their products and onto our skin.”

During a press conference Wednesday, Hunter outlined House Bill 3409, which would make it unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture or sell a cosmetic product that contains any of 11 specifically named harmful chemicals or 13 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – also known as “forever chemicals” – that were intentionally added during the product's formulation.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in manufacturing that do not break down in the environment or the human body. Prolonged exposure has been linked to a range of serious health outcomes, including certain cancers, hormonal disruption and immune system damage. Despite growing scientific consensus on the dangers of these substances, they remain present in a wide range of personal care and beauty products.

“Illinois consumers deserve to know the products they put on their bodies every day are safe,” said Hunter. “This measure sends a clear message to the cosmetics industry: if you want to sell in Illinois, your products must meet the health and safety standards our families deserve.”

House Bill 3409 will be heard in the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.