[2] In late 2011, Willis announced her intention to run for state representative in the newly drawn 77th district during which she was endorsed by, among others, Senator Martin Sandoval[3] and the Illinois Sierra Club.
[5] Upon being sworn in, Representative Willis joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers who chose not to accept a pension.
[8] Other legislation sponsored by Representative Willis that was signed into law includes legislation that would enhance the penalties for individuals who defraud or attempt to defraud Medicaid,[9] increase the penalty for domestic battery if the abuser is a repeat offender,[10] and create the Young Adults Heroin Use Task Force to address the growing problem of heroin use in high schools in Illinois.
[11] She has also advocated for legislation to prevent gang recruitment by making the practice illegal on school buses, bus stops and public parks,[12] lower crime by prohibiting violent felons from purchasing body armor,[13] and co-sponsored a bill to protect consumers from unfair surcharges.
B. Pritzker appointed Willis to the gubernatorial transition's Restorative Justice and Safe Communities Committee.