Hastings legislation to increase government transparency in Cook County signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure that would give Cook County taxpayers the ability to easily access public records was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Frankfort) is the lead sponsor of the initiative.

“Hardworking taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent,” Hastings said. “I am proud to have partnered with my former Senate colleague and friend to strengthen government transparency in Cook County.”

Senate Bill 583 would include the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County under the Local Records Act, providing greater transparency to the public regarding how the clerk’s office uses its public funds. The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office is a non-judicial office of the judiciary and not a local government or public body currently subject to FOIA.

Additionally, the legislation requires all clerks of circuit courts to accept credit card payments over the internet for fines, penalties, court costs and other costs, providing convenience for a county’s citizens when paying fines and fees.

“As we move forward from the previous administration, it’s important to regain public trust in the clerk’s office by being more transparent, and this is one of the first steps we’re taking to do that,” said Iris Y. Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. “I’m thankful to my former colleague, Senator Hastings, for assisting our office to better serve the public.”

This measure is effective immediately.

Loughran Cappel proposal to improve financial preparedness among students signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A plan sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) that would improve financial preparedness among Illinois students was signed into law Friday.

“A major part of our responsibility as educators is to prepare kids for life beyond the classroom,” Loughran Cappel said. “Applicable, real life skills ought to receive greater attention in the classroom, and it is my pledge to continue finding ways to address these critical gaps in our curriculum.”

Read more: Loughran Cappel proposal to improve financial preparedness among students signed into law

Villanueva: Our state government doesn’t exist to serve ICE

CHICAGO – To protect the privacy and safety of Illinois’ undocumented residents, a measure introduced by State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) that prohibits photographs taken for state IDs and driver’s license from being shared with federal immigration authorities was signed into law today.

“This is about building trust between our state government and undocumented communities,” Villanueva said. “It is impossible to build that trust if we are sending facial recognition data directly to authorities. Our state government doesn’t exist to serve ICE.”

Read more: Villanueva: Our state government doesn’t exist to serve ICE

Law enforcement intimidation tactics limited under new Peters law

CHICAGO – A form of intimidation sometimes used by law enforcement is no longer permitted in Illinois. State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), the sponsor of the law banning the practice, believes that the threat of a of background checks deters public participation for important hearings.

“Public safety belongs to the people, which means that the people should be able to share their opinion at public hearings and meetings,” Peters said. “This is especially true of police board meetings. Law enforcement using background checks to intimidate people from participating in the very hearings that will hold them accountable should set off red flags for everyone as something that should not be permitted to happen.”

Read more: Law enforcement intimidation tactics limited under new Peters law