Lightford passes legislation to remove “Negro” from Illinois law
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – To continue her efforts to dismantle the systemic racism in Illinois, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) passed legislation that would remove derogatory words from Illinois law that describe Black people as “Negro” or “Haitian.”
“In this era of racial reckoning and righting the wrongs of our predecessors, it’s imperative that we cleanse Illinois law of old, offensive racial terms,” Lightford said. “We are working to undo years of oppression and currently fighting racial injustice.”
House Bill 3217 reconstructs several state laws by deleting the use of the words “Haitian” or “Negro,” replacing them with “Black” or “African American.”
HB 3217 passed the Senate floor and now heads to the governor for final approval.
Peters’ measure limiting law enforcement intimidation clears Senate
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) aimed at limiting the ability of law enforcement agencies to use intimidation tactics.
“Public safety belongs to the people, and as such, anyone who wants to should be able to participate at public hearings without fear of repercussions,” Peters said.
Under House Bill 1765, law enforcement agencies would be prohibited from conducting a background check on a person if the only reason for doing so is that they’re participating in an open, public meeting. The proposal allows some exceptions, such as when public safety is potentially at risk or in cases where the individual in question is under consideration for an appointment to a government body.
Read more: Peters’ measure limiting law enforcement intimidation clears Senate
Anti-opioid death “Alex’s Law” passes General Assembly
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – Alex’s Law, a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that aims to decrease deaths from opioid overdoses passed the Senate on Saturday. The legislation would ensure that people who seek emergency assistance for an individual experiencing symptoms of an opioid overdose will not be arrested for any crime related to the use of drugs at the scene.
“Saving lives has to be our first priority,” Ellman said. “Fear of criminal charges should never prevent someone from seeking help.”
The idea for the measure came from the death of a 25-year-old Naperville resident, Alex Green, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2018. Alex had been with others at the time of his overdose, but none of the others on the scene called 911 for assistance. This meant the officers who arrived on scene were not able to identify what had happened until it was too late, despite having Narcan (a medicine used to treat opioid overdoses) with them at the time.
Read more: Anti-opioid death “Alex’s Law” passes General Assembly
Glowiak Hilton plan ensures quality mental health resources for students
- Details
SPRINGFIELD – After it passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) hopes her initiative will improve student access to mental health education and resources by allowing partnerships between state agencies.
“As our schools recover from numerous pandemic-related challenges, our state must prioritize our students’ well-being,” Glowiak Hilton said. “To ensure children are receiving the best mental health services at school, this proposal allows two key state agencies to work together to improve prevention and treatment resources.”
An initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education, Glowiak Hilton’s proposal allows board officials to collaborate with the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership (ICMHP) to give students access to a wider range of mental health resources at school.
Read more: Glowiak Hilton plan ensures quality mental health resources for students
More Articles …
Page 572 of 712
Follow ILSenDems
Member News
-
SPRINGFIELD – Landowners and farmers will now have more flexibility when it comes to hunting on their own property after legislation from State Senator Patrick Joyce was signed into law on Friday. “People only get so much time in a season to get out... -
SPRINGFIELD — A severe rooftop safety hazard for Illinois firefighters will be mended thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Mike Porfirio. “This is a profound advancement for the safety of Illinois firefighters,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Town... -
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s law establishing the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission to preserve and promote the state’s Underground Railroad history is now on the books. “This law is a meaningful step toward recognizing and commemorati... -
SPRINGFIELD – Dental patients will no longer have to worry about footing the bill for an appointment while waiting to be reimbursed by their insurance plan, thanks to an initiative led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes that was signed into law... -
BUFFALO GROVE – In recognition of her unwavering dedication to public service and community advancement, State Senator Adriane Johnson will be honored with the naming of the amphitheater at Mike Rylko Community Park in Buffalo Grove. “I am deeply humb...
SPRINGFIELD OFFICE
(217) 782-2728
309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
 © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus    |
CHICAGO OFFICE
(312) 814-2075
160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601