Senator Holmes measure provides clarity with use of county recorders’ seal as signature

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday, under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).

Sen. Holmes 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 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.”

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Simmons leads measure to increase mental health support for students

SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to empower students and provide them with greater access to the resources they need, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) initiated and passed a measure, Senate Bill 4028, that will require Illinois elementary and high schools to discuss how and where to find access to mental health treatment.

“Our children have been through constant stress the last two years,” said Simmons. “Their sacrifices from the pandemic have exacerbated the growing mental health crisis among our state’s youth.”

The measure also will create a Student Mental Health Council that will include 6 youth from across Illinois, and 3 community-based mental health providers, including one that will be LGBTQ-led, one led by a person of color, and one woman-led, bringing underrepresented communities to the table to evaluate gaps in existing mental health services and to recommend systemic improvements so our youth feel empowered and supported by mental health providers.

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Villanueva measure pushes for worker protections

SPRINGFIELD –Action sponsored by State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) that protects the rights of workers moved out of the Senate Friday.

“Current law does not accurately reflect the working habits of our society, which is why this measure is so critical,” Villanueva said. “Having clear, strong labor laws is one of the most important ways we prevent the exploitation of workers whose contributions allow our communities to prosper.”

Senate Bill 3146 updates the One Day Rest in Seven Act, which entitles workers to a 24-hour period of rest in a work week. The updated language will further define a work week and add provisions regarding breaks during a shift lasting more than 7.5 hours. Senator Villanueva’s measure will also increase the cost of the civil offenses, making the maximum $500 for employers with more than 25 employees. Smaller businesses will receive adjusted penalties to reflect the difference in workforce size, making the maximum $250 for employers with fewer than 25 employees.

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Celebrating Illinois’ Olympians

SPRINGFIELD – More than a dozen athletes from Illinois represented the United States at the recent Winter Olympics. To honor their accomplishments, the Illinois Senate passed a resolution Friday.

“I am proud of all the winter Olympians from Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

Fourteen of the 220 athletes who were on team USA were from Illinois, and they competed in figure skating, hockey, ski jumping and speed skating.

“The hard work and motivation the Olympians have is admirable. We all watched anxiously and cheered you on as you lived out your dreams to compete as one of the country’s top athletes,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “To our fellow athletes who represented our great nation at the winter games – you made your home state extremely proud.”

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