SPRINGFIELD - To enhance protections for those seeking to change their name, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure out of the Senate to eliminate the requirement to publish a name change with a local newspaper.

“When someone is seeking a name change, whether it is to protect themselves from domestic violence or to affirm one’s identity, everyone deserves the right to do so without the burden of the cumbersome and expensive publication process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Additionally, by requiring residents to publish their name change, it relinquishes the privacy of such individuals and can be harmful to their safety or well-being.”

House Bill 5164 removes the requirement to publish a name change with a local newspaper, lowers the Illinois residency requirement to change a name from six months to three months, and establishes a procedure for someone to impound their court file to further protect the confidentiality of personal identifiable information.

CHICAGO – Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Thursday to discuss how public transit mitigates climate impact.

“As public transit continues to positively impact our climate, it is imperative that we have discussions about what we can do to continue making progress,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today’s hearing included discussions about what is being done proactively to ensure that public transit helps mitigate the current climate impact, the importance of public transit to Lake County and North Cook County residents, and what can be done going forward.”

Across the Regional Transit Authority region, public transit is expected to hit a $730 million fiscal cliff in 2026, as federal COVID-19 pandemic funding is running out.

SPRINGFIELD- To increase access to higher education opportunities for students, including many of our immigrant residents, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed a law that expands eligibility for in-state tuition at Illinois colleges and universities.

“By expanding the eligibility pathways for in-state tuition, we are continuing to break down barriers to higher education,” said Villivalam. “This law will help ensure these opportunities continue to be accessible to members of our community.”

Under the new law, an individual can obtain in-state tuition if they are an Illinois resident, graduate from a high school in Illinois or attend a high school in Illinois for at least two years prior to enrollment.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam protects the confidentiality of train crew members in fatal accident reports.

“We often see personal information released in reports, although it is not needed for accountability or investigative purposes,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This law will ensure worker information is not being released when it is not pertinent in the interest of their safety.”

Illinois has the third-highest number of railroad collisions in the nation, according to a 2022 report from the Illinois Commerce Commission. In 2022, 30 people died at highway-rail crossing collisions.

CHICAGO - Third in a series of subject matter hearings, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing Friday on the state of public transit and how it supports community quality of life.

“Public transit transforms the lives of our communities, neighbors and families by connecting them to essential resources – giving us a higher quality of life,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By having these conversations, we are able to identify and see how transit supports various areas of our lives, and what work can be done to build upon this support.”

As transit agencies are now seeing a steady increase of rider share after its decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to continue the work of improving the reliability, safety, and accessibility of the system has become a priority.

SPRINGFIELD — A law sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam expands the list of documents an employee can request from their employer and the manner in which they can request them, to ensure workplace transparency.

“Continuing to support workers and their rights within the workplace is important,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “This law ensures there are continued improvements within the workplace that benefit those who need it.”

Villivalam’s law expands the list of documents an employee can request, which include documents used to determine qualification of employment, contracts that are legally binding to the employee, handbooks, and any written employer policies or procedures.

CHICAGO - Two weeks after the first subject matter hearing on the state of public transit, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a hearing on the accessibility and equity of public transit.

“Public transit needs to be accessible and equitable for all within our community as it bolsters the ability for everyone to reach essential resources such as health care, education and jobs,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “As transit riders express their concerns of continued delays and lack of service, it is imperative to have these conversations to see how we can ensure that public transit works for all.”

Transit agencies saw a sharp ridership decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are in the process of returning to pre-pandemic numbers. Riders are still experiencing ongoing delays, lack of service, or no routes, which continues to present a challenge for them daily.

CHICAGO - With public transit in the RTA region approaching a budget deficit in 2026, Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing on Tuesday regarding the state of public transit and how it supports the local economy.

“Today, we were able to have crucial and robust conversations about the current state of public transit and its relation to our economy,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Many key stakeholders, from the agencies to business and labor groups, were able to share their insights as to how we can maintain and improve service, and what we can do to underpin a vibrant economy.”

As heard from constituents, public transit riders are currently facing issues including delayed service, no routes or limited coordination of services between providers. This presents an issue for many, as they are left without reliable transportation to reach essential places or services such as health care appointments, jobs or education.