Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate that would strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and stalking by eliminating gaps that can occur between emergency and final orders of protection, ensuring continuous enforcement during the transition.

“This proposal came directly from a real situation where someone’s safety was put at risk because of a delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We shouldn’t allow technicalities to override common sense when it comes to protecting victims.”

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure that would provide addiction services and resources to Illinoisans affected by gambling disorders.

“Gambling addictions have long burdened residents and families across Illinois – financially destroying lives and creating long-term mental health distress,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By classifying gambling as a disorder through the Department of Humans Services, the state will be able to provide addiction services to those affected.”

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, roughly 3.8% of adult Illinoisans are considered to have a gambling problem, with an additional 7.7% at risk of developing a gambling problem. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva joined SEIU Healthcare, seniors and advocates at a rally at the Illinois State Capitol on Thursday to demand equitable wages for home care workers under the Community Care Program.

“I know first-hand how demanding home care work is, as it was home care workers who stepped in when my grandmother was ill – ensuring she was clean, fed, took her medicine on time and, most importantly, could continue living in her community with dignity,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “We must work to pass this measure to ensure their wages are reflective of their effort, and I am determined to lead that fight in Springfield this spring.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner proudly welcomed nearly $5 million in grant funding awarded to 66 grantees to boost tourism and economic development in Central Illinois and across the state.

“Visitors are flocking to Illinois in record numbers to see hidden gems and world-renowned destinations,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Thanks to the state’s tourism grant programs, communities will be able to further promote events, improve attractions, and develop new and enhanced festivals across Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – Artificial light at night is estimated to contribute to the deaths of hundreds of millions of migratory birds each year in the U.S., while also disrupting nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems, according to the National Audubon Society. State Senator Laura Ellman is working to address these impacts with legislation aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful outdoor lighting across Illinois.

“Light pollution is more than just an inconvenience: it impacts our health, disrupts wildlife and wastes energy,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation ensures Illinois is using smarter, more efficient lighting that protects both our environment and taxpayers.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would establish regulations for the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven bicycles and other small, low-speed electric mobility devices in Illinois.

“E-bikes and other increasingly popular micromobility devices are being utilized by our neighbors. While these devices provide more accessibility for our residents, they have also led to tragic accidents,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that we implement safeguards to ensure that everyone who uses a micromobility device is able to do so in a safe way.”

A study conducted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated a total of 360,800 emergency room visits from injuries sustained during micromoibility devices accidents.

Senate Bill 3336 would regulate the use of toy vehicles, motor-driven cycles, and electric micromobility devices. To achieve this, the measure would:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva is spearheading a measure to ensure survivors of domestic violence are fully protected and current state law supporting victims is properly enforced.

“Previous gaps in Illinois’ law left survivors vulnerable to continued harm from their abusers, but we enhanced protections to close those gaps last year, and now it’s time to see those enhancements fully realized – for the well-being of survivors, their families and their communities,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By advancing this measure, we’re continuing to put the safety not only of survivors, but also the larger community, at the forefront; ensuring individuals who intend to cause harm are met with full and proper enforcement of Illinois’ law.”