Belt law to make amusement parks safer

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is making amusement rides and attractions safer for families, thanks to a new law that will require amusement parks to have at least one staff member qualified to administer CPR.

“This law will enhance safety standards and ensure the well-being of visitors at amusement parks statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that we acknowledge the need for effective emergency response in high-risk environments and that we implement policies that will ensure the safety of our community members and state visitors.”

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New Castro law requires fair wages for solar project workers

SPRINGFIELD – Employees working on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits from the state of Illinois will be paid the prevailing wage under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“During my time in the Senate, I have been an outspoken advocate for fair wages and wage equality in Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting fair wages for employees working on solar projects ensures workers – not just developers – benefit from clean energy incentives and opportunities.”

Under the new law, developers who apply to the Illinois Solar for All program are required to pay the prevailing wage on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits. The law provides exemptions for residential buildings and small projects on houses of worship.

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Morrison law to enhance security and safety precautions in schools

SPRINGFIELD – Violent threats against schools are becoming all too common, leading State Senator Julie Morrison to champion a newly signed law to require rapid entry protocol for law enforcement and first responders, including the threat of firearms.

“Our first responders must be equipped and trained to handle any emergency situation – especially within schools,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “School shootings are sadly happening at record rates – we must be prepared in case tragedy strikes.”

Morrison’s House Bill 3559 requires schools’ emergency and crisis response plans to include procedures for local law enforcement to rapidly enter the school building in the event of an emergency.

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Joyce law to recruit more volunteer firefighters

SPRINGFIELD – State employees will now be able to take time off for firefighter training thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many communities in the state that rely on volunteer firefighters,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we continue to see a shortage in the number of volunteer firefighters, we are leaving these communities extremely vulnerable and without the immediate assistance they need.”

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. The new law aims to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses by creating the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. This will allow state employees to take a leave from their job to attend firefighter training.

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