EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt was appointed to the Nonprofit Electric Generation Task Force to continue his support for the Prairie State Generation Campus.

“I have been a longstanding champion of bringing clean energy to the Metro East and am honored to have the opportunity to continue to advocate for a cleaner community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As a member of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, I am proud to show my support for the coal plant that gives thousands of residents electricity."

CHICAGO – State Senators Ram Villivalam and Robert Peters celebrated the signing of two new laws Monday that will protect Illinoisans with disabilities from housing discrimination and make state government more accessible to the community.

House Bill 2775, sponsored by Villivalam (D-Chicago), adds “source of income” to the Illinois Human Rights Act's protections against discrimination in real estate transactions, making it a civil rights violation to refuse to consider an individual for housing solely based on their source of income. To comply with the law, housing providers are required to treat each applicant the same during their evaluation and screening process.

PEORIA – Students with disabilities and their families will be more fully informed of the resources available to them thanks to a piece of legislation by State Senator Dave Koehler that was signed into law Friday.

“Illinois offers so many great resources for students with disabilities that can help mitigate some of the challenges these students and their families face” said Koehler (D-Peoria).  “It’s important that we make sure families know about these resources so they can take full advantage of them.”

The Achieving a Better Life Experience program aims to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses to supplement insurance benefits and income.

Senate Bill 3474 requires school districts to provide informational material to the parent or guardian of students with disabilities about the ABLE account program.

“Students with disabilities deserve every opportunity available to help them live full, healthy lives,” said state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar (D-Bolingbrook), House sponsor of the bill. “By providing these students and their families with information about the ABLE program, we’re providing them with a valuable resource they can use to support themselves.”

The legislation is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes was signed into law last week.

Sen. Holmes originally introduced Senate Bill 3187 to streamline the recording process to establish a stamped or electronic version of the county seal satisfies the signature requirement for record instruments.

“The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Reporters approached me about clarifying this issue after a Sangamon County Recorder’s office customer believed the printed name of the Recorder should be considered a signature,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “In any case where there is doubt as to whether a printed Recorder’s name is legal, this clearly states the recorded document is legal.”

County Recorders are generally responsible for maintaining records of all governing body transactions including resolutions and ordinances. They keep records of deeds, marriage licenses and most other public records. They also issue permits, as well as many licenses.

With the signing of SB 3187 by the governor, it took effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure a fairer justice system,  State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure to allow a person in the state justice system and their attorney to efficiently access a comprehensive record of vital information needed for a person's legal defense. The measure was signed into law last week.

“Access to a master file is critical for incarcerated people who are applying for clemency or other legal processes,” Pacione-Zayas said. “From allowing people to check their information for accuracy, to giving them a jumpstart on putting together a resume or legal argument, the master file is an important asset to those involved in our justice system.”

The new law will allow people committed to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to request one summary of their master record file a year. Additionally, it would allow an incarcerated person’s attorney to request an additional summary of the master file annually.

The summary must be made available within 15 days of the request and must include the person’s name and identifying information, all digitally available information from the committing court, information on the person’s criminal history and more. Additionally, the incarcerated person can request available records on specific disciplinary incidents and grievances filed by them throughout their time committed.

"Incarcerated people deserve basic access to the records of their stay in prison," said State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), House sponsor of the legislation. "This law will help people prepare legal arguments, write resumes, and return home ready to contribute to their communities."

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy’s (D—Des Plaines) initiative to allow more health care workers to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines was signed into law Friday.

“Vaccines protect us from illnesses, like the flu and COVID-19, and are essential to maintaining public health,” Murphy said. “This law will allow more types of health care providers to administer vaccines—making sure more people can get vaccinated sooner if they choose.”

To ensure more people can get vaccinated at a timely rate, Murphy’s law authorizes optometrists—doctors specializing in eye care—to administer vaccines to patients 17 years or older. Optometrists who wish to distribute these vaccines will be required to complete four hours of approved education and be certified in basic life support.

“Many health care providers are certified to give vaccines already,” Murphy said. “With additional training, these providers should be able to administer vaccines to make sure people can get vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible and make sure everyone in our community remains healthy.” 

HB 4929 was signed into law last Friday, May 13. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva advocated for teacher wellness by supporting a law allowing teachers to take mental health days.

“Our teachers’ service to our students is ongoing both inside and outside the classroom,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Now that our society has recognized the importance of mental health and allows our students to be excused, the same care should be given to our educators.”

Under the new law, school districts in areas with fewer than 500,000 residents are required to include mental health absences as part of the sick days made available to full-time employees. Senator Villanueva prioritizes supporting teachers and has worked in the legislature to ensure their lasting influence on the state’s youth is celebrated and can continue.

“The people that educate and oversee our children are under intense pressure to guide future generations of community members, activists and more,” Villanueva said. “It is especially important that our instructors’ performance and ability not be affected by the challenges brought on by such a tumultuous world.”

The law, previously Senate Bill 3914, was signed into law Friday.

PEORIA – Students across Illinois are guaranteed a plant-based lunch option at school under legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Students may have dietary needs rooted in in religious, health-related or other, personal, reasons,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a nutritious, plant-based option, we can satisfy those requirements and ensure all students are able to take full advantage of what may be the only meal they can depend on that day.”