Simmons pushes for legislation to support returning citizens

SPRINGFIELD – To support returning citizens with outstanding fees, State Senator Mike Simmons presented legislation to the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Thursday.

“I am dedicated to serving all 7th District constituents, which includes returning citizens,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 2175 provides a returning citizen with the opportunity and time to establish stability in their life and take care of basic human needs, such as finding gainful employment, housing and healthcare before owing fees from prior criminal proceedings.”

Senate Bill 2175 prohibits courts from ordering the payment of outstanding fees, fines, taxes or any costs arising from criminal proceedings for the first year after a person returns from incarceration. Currently, Illinois does not have a law striking fees for a certain amount of days post-confinement. However, under the Unified Code of Corrections, the court may revoke a fine if good cause is shown.

Read more: Simmons pushes for legislation to support returning citizens

Ventura advances bill to bring economic, environmental benefits to area

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura spearheaded new legislation that would lift the limits on hydropower plants.

Currently Illinois is ranked 46th in the nation when it comes to hydropower. With Senate Bill 1474 passing the Energy and Public Utility Committee Thursday, Ventura hopes to advance Illinois’ renewable energy sector.

“By having hydropower in our communities, we can increase jobs, lower the price of energy and protect our planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Supporting hydropower today will allow Illinoisans to reap economic and environmental rewards for decades to come.”

Under Ventura’s measure, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

Read more: Ventura advances bill to bring economic, environmental benefits to area

Glowiak Hilton leads measure to address schools prohibiting clothing of cultural significance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure that would ensure Illinois schools would allow articles of clothing that have cultural or religious significance for its students.

“We need to make sure future graduates and students have the opportunity to represent themselves the way they see fit,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Discrimination, of any kind, has no place in our schools.”

Students would be able to wear articles of clothing of cultural or religious significance in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton leads measure to address schools prohibiting clothing of cultural significance

Sims protects consumers from credit card issues stemming from business closure

SPRINGFIELD – If a store closes due to bankruptcy or other shortcomings, customers who have credit cards with the company would not be negatively impacted under legislation being led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“A person’s credit score follows them everywhere,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “One credit card mishap can take years to recover from. Consumers must be protected.”

Under Senate Bill 2121, if a customer’s credit account is closed due to the business closing or inactivity on the account, the business must notify credit reporting agencies of the reasoning so it is not assumed the customer failed to pay the balance of the account.

Read more: Sims protects consumers from credit card issues stemming from business closure