Belt law removes standardized test requirement for university acceptance starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, students who wish to attend an Illinois public college or university will no longer be required to submit ACT and SAT scores when applying, thanks to a law championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Standardized test scores do not showcase a student’s ability,” Belt said. “Students struggle each year to do well on ACT and SAT tests. Removing this requirement will help test-anxious students get into college.”

Read more: Belt law removes standardized test requirement for university acceptance starting Jan. 1

Midwives gain certification and licensing process thanks to Castro law

CHICAGO – A measure to lay out qualification and education requirements to allow for certified midwives in Illinois was signed into law Tuesday. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) sponsored the new law, which has been in the works for decades.

“The demand for home birth services has been on the rise, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and this law will help ensure that mothers who opt for a home birth can have one safely,” Castro said. “While I’m proud to have carried this measure across the finish line, I applaud all the hard work of the advocates and legislators who worked on this law before me.”

Before this law, Illinois only recognized certified nurse midwives, who are advanced-practice registered nurses. Under the new Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act, people who are seeking certification as a professional midwife will have to follow set standards for the qualifications, education, training and experience, but will not be required to be a registered nurse.

Read more: Midwives gain certification and licensing process thanks to Castro law

Loughran Cappel law ends utility fees for deceased starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, grieving family members will have one less task to worry about, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).

Loughran Cappel’s law ends early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

“While a family is grieving the loss of a loved one, the last thing they want to deal with is pesky utility fees,” Loughran Cappel said. “The new law will end this unfair practice and protect working families from unnecessary bills.”

This issue was raised by an Illinois resident after reading a news article highlighting a California family who was facing an early termination fee after a family member had died. New York passed a similar law.

“Enacting this new law sends a signal that Illinois is leading by taking a proactive approach to consumer protection,” Loughran Cappel said.

The legislation passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.  The law, now Public Act 102-0112, takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Simmons law to ban hairstyle discrimination in schools to take effect Jan. 1

CHICAGO – Starting Jan. 1, schools will be prohibited from discriminating against natural hairstyles traditionally associated with race and ethnicity- including locs, braids, twists and afros - thanks to a law championed by State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago). 

“No child should ever be singled out for sporting a hairstyle that authentically expresses their heritage and culture,” Simmons said. “These policies only serve to humiliate students of color who choose to dress themselves and wear their hair in a style that honors and respects their heritage and ancestry.”

The Jett Hawkins Act prevents school boards, local school councils, charter schools and non-private schools from creating hairstyle-based dress code requirements. Simmons, who wears his hair in freeform locs, championed the law in support of Jett Hawkins, a 4-year old boy who was sent home from school earlier this year for having braids that violated his school’s dress code.

Read more: Simmons law to ban hairstyle discrimination in schools to take effect Jan. 1