Welcome to Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Morrison joins advocates for press conference supporting Child Advocacy Centers

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison joined Child Advocacy Center leaders from across the state to raise awareness about support the centers’ provide to children and advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 3510.

“Think about a child who has been abused or sexually assaulted. Rather than passing them from the police station to another room, they go to one place – one environment – to tell their story once,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is so impactful that we have Child Advocacy Centers in Illinois that allow this streamlined approach.”

Read more: Morrison joins advocates for press conference supporting Child Advocacy Centers

Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Read more: Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate

Stadelman advances stronger safeguards for domestic abuse survivors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate that would strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and stalking by eliminating gaps that can occur between emergency and final orders of protection, ensuring continuous enforcement during the transition.

“This proposal came directly from a real situation where someone’s safety was put at risk because of a delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We shouldn’t allow technicalities to override common sense when it comes to protecting victims.”

Read more: Stadelman advances stronger safeguards for domestic abuse survivors

State ensures support for gambling addictions through the Illinois Department of Human Services thanks to Morrison

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison lead a measure that would provide addiction services and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders.

“Gambling addictions have long burdened residents and families across Illinois – financially destroying lives and creating long-term mental health distress,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By classifying gambling as a disorder through the Department of Humans Services, the state will be able to provide addiction services to those affected.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, roughly 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem. 

Read more: State ensures support for gambling addictions through the Illinois Department of Human Services...