Villa measure prohibiting listing minors in evictions passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa led a measure through the Senate to shield minors from eviction actions on their records that inhibit their future ability to rent.

“The careless actions of landlords listing minors in evictions contributes to generational housing instability, affecting marginalized communities the most,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Having an eviction on your record is a scarlet letter and these children are having to deal with the turmoil before they’re given the opportunity to build their history as a tenant.”

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Cervantes-led measure to increase supports for students completing the FAFSA clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — High school students may soon have access to more supports when applying for college and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as the FAFSA, thanks to two measures led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, which recently passed the Senate.

“There are many barriers for young people to fill out the FAFSA, including the forms being confusing for students who may be the oldest in their family or the children of immigrants with English as a second language,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “If we want our young people to pursue higher education, we need to make the process of applying for financial aid easier. Ensuring their schools have designated times and an expert on the application is an easy way to do that.”

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Lightford leads measure to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing that financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to maintain control over victims, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a measure through the Senate to prohibit collection agencies from collecting debt incurred through coercion.

"Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking should not be haunted by debts that were forced upon them during their trauma," said Lightford (D-Maywood). "We must prevent predatory collection practices that can re-traumatize survivors and hinder their path to recovery and independence."

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Hastings measure to streamline missing persons investigations passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations.

“When you believe a loved one has gone missing, you need action taken without hesitation,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Eliminating the waiting period and utilizing national databases will give families peace of mind and give law enforcement more tools in the search.”

Senate Bill 24 would eliminate any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The bill would also require information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Under the measure, law enforcement agencies must adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, reporting and follow-up action.

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