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HB3492 PSPRINGFIELD — A new law from State Senator Robert Peters will raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained and limit detention in certain situations where the minor is not charged with a violent crime, making it clear the state is prioritizing rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of delinquent behavior.

“We must work together to tackle the underlying issues that are exacerbating delinquency in our neighborhoods – whether those are social, economic, familial or a mix of all,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We have an obligation to protect the well-being of all individuals, and we do that by breaking the cycles of violence and trauma that are causing young people to engage in any level of criminal activity.”

Peters’ law makes numerous improvements to Illinois’ juvenile justice system. First, it raises the age at which a minor may be detained from 10 years old to 12 years old in 2026 and then to 13 years old – in some situations – in 2027. Under the law, arrest will be used only as a last resort and under strict conditions, and minors will be detained only if there is probable cause to believe they are delinquent and that immediate and urgent detention is necessary, or if they have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings.

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State Senator Lakesia Collins

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Lakesia Collins spearheaded a property tax relief package that was signed into law Friday, increasing property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“Seniors have a lot on their plate to deal with from health care to home care, and property taxes should not be on that list,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Expanding the number of seniors who qualify for relief ensures seniors in our neighborhoods can stay in our neighborhoods.”

The new law, Senate Bill 642, will deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption will increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

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LH aurora commons 121025AURORA – Senator Linda Holmes joined a ceremony on November 21 at the future site of the new Learning Commons facility on the Aurora University campus. She joined Aurora University President Susana Rivera-Mills and other officials to sign their names on a beam that will be part of the structure as it is built.

“The new building will be a central hub of academic life on campus, bringing together the resources students use most to a single convenient, welcoming space,” said Holmes, D-Aurora. “This environmentally friendly project will create a high-tech hub on campus that will increase opportunities for students to gather, strengthen their skills and build relationships within their community.”

Holmes obtained $750,000 in capital funding for the project in the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, and the Learning Commons will transform the way Aurora University students learn, collaborate and connect. Holmes said the facility is expected to open in fall 2026, and it has created 50,000-man hours of union construction work.

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koehler 120225SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler’s House Bill 767, legislation designed to put clear, expert vaccine guidance at the center of Illinois’ public health response, has become law.

“Families deserve clear, evidence-based guidance when making health decisions for their children,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This law requires expert input to drive our immunization policies, makes those recommendations public and adds practical protections so pharmacies can continue serving their communities safely and effectively.”

The new law comes at a time when the federal administration has gone dark on vaccine transparency. The goal is to shine a spotlight on this issue so Illinois continues to follow the science, no matter what happens at the federal level. 

More Articles …

  1. Illinois Senate Democrats celebrate the opening of IATSE Local 2’s new training center
  2. Belt celebrates groundbreaking on new grocery store in Venice
  3. Sims leads legislation to protect state budget from reckless federal cuts
  4. Holmes legislation empowering terminally ill adults to consider end-of-life options passes Senate

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