CHICAGO – During the spring legislative session, State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas was proud to support two pieces of legislation to help high school and college students access their transcripts without having to worry about unpaid debts.

“When a student works hard to make their grades, they deserve access to those records to assist them in applying for further education or jobs,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “High schoolers especially might struggle with paying fees if they come from a financially insecure household, but that shouldn’t prevent them from accessing their transcripts.”

Pacione-Zayas co-sponsored House Bill 4243, which prohibits public high schools from withholding a student’s grades, transcripts or diploma due to unpaid balances on the student’s account. The new law aims to grant students access to these documents and not rely on their or their family’s ability to pay balances.

CHICAGO – Transparency for Chicago residents who live in high rises will increase thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.

“After the condominium collapse in Seaside, Florida, constituents became weary of the high rises in Chicago,” Feigenholtz said. “Condominium associations need to be reliable and transparent to tenants about renovations, repairs and updates to their buildings.”

A reserve study helps identify the stability of the condominium association’s finances and assists in planning ahead for costs associated with common area maintenance expenditures. This study helps homeowners and condominium associations determine how much in reserve funds should be maintained.

SPRINGFIELD – Condominium owners may soon see reduced fees thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“No one should have to pay excessive fees to get the documents required by law to sell their property,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This new law protects residents from exorbitant fees and will ensure that they receive necessary documentation in a reasonable time.”

Under current law, a seller must provide prospective buyers several documents concerning the condominium owner association, including governance documents, anticipated expenditures, COA funds in reserve, and more. House Bill 5246 caps the amount of fees a condominium association may charge to retrieve or copy those records at $375, and no more than $100 for rush service. The new law further requires that those documents be produced within 10 days of the request.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure furthering State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ work to make Illinois a leader in preventing climate change is now law.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) championed Senate Bill 3866, which makes necessary improvements to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) implementation and administration of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to help create a pipeline for Illinois residents to train and help Illinois residents pursue careers in clean energy construction and building trades. The legislation was signed into law on Friday.

“This new law sets up Illinois to tap into clean energy jobs,” Hastings said. “We are furthering the state’s mission to end climate change while embracing innovative technology to create good paying jobs in our own backyard.”

SPRINGFIELD - A measure to establish a plan for renewable recycling in Illinois, supported by Senator Robert Peters was signed into law.

“As we look to establish green energy sources, we also need to make sure we’re phasing out old technology in a safe and responsible manner,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding renewable recycling in Illinois will both save taxpayers money and ensure that our new investments in clear energy such as solar panels do not become a hazard to the environment.”

SPRINGFIELD – Schools fees will be waived for low-income students with veteran or active military parents under a new law championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“Veterans and active military members endure many hardships, and families with young children are finding it difficult to keep up with school fees,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By offering support to our heroes and their families, we can assist them through difficult financial times.”

SPRINGFIELD – Patients with breast cancer will soon see expanded navigation services through the Department of Public Health thanks to new funding from special license plates under a law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Survivors of breast cancer deserve the best possible care we can provide,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These special license plates will ensure that the Department of Public Health has the necessary funds to help survivors connect with the services and care they need.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure advanced by Senator Robert Martwick to address Illinois’ ever-growing teacher shortage by bringing back retired educators was signed into law.

“There are thousands of classrooms across the state where students are left without a fully qualified instructor during the school day,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “We need to put teachers in classrooms to ensure our children thrive.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3465, amends the Chicago Teacher Article of the Illinois Pension code by allowing retired CPS teachers to return to work without it affecting their pensions. Schools are able to submit documentation with their regional superintendent to request help from retired educators in a “subject shortage area.” This emergency measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2024.