Family members of sexual assault survivors would be eligible for protections under Villa legislation

SPRINGFIELD – Family and household members of survivors of sexual assault could file petitions for civil no-contact orders under legislation from State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), which was introduced in the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday after passing the House with unanimous support.

“Survivors of sexual assault and harassment deserve to feel safe at home — that means providing protection not just to the survivor, but to their family and loved ones,” Villa said. “Expanding the list of people who can file petitions for no-contact orders is critical to restoring survivors’ peace of mind and helping them move forward.”

Read more: Family members of sexual assault survivors would be eligible for protections under Villa legislation

Van Pelt Call4Calm Bill passes Human Services Committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) to permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents' mental health needs passed committee Tuesday, falling in line with Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Call4Calm was a great initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can still benefit those who struggle with their mental health even after this pandemic is over,” Van Pelt said. “Mental health outcomes are more concerning than ever before due to the public health crisis, and this text line is an essential outlet.”

Read more: Van Pelt Call4Calm Bill passes Human Services Committee

Belt measure would help build sidewalks along state roads

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would require the Illinois Department of Transportation to provide funding to create additional infrastructure in urban areas passed committee on Tuesday.

The measure would require IDOT to fully fund all aspects of construction projects on state roadways, including infrastructure for pedestrians walking and bicycling within one mile of an urban area. Additionally, the measure requires IDOT to complete any of these unfinished infrastructure projects in municipalities with a population of 1,000 or more.

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Stadelman moves Illinois one step closer to a high-speed rail network

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would create a commission to make a statewide network of new and existing passenger rail lines a reality passed committee on Tuesday.

“This measure would create a commission to help make a statewide network of high-speed rail services a reality,” Stadelman said. “Creating a high-speed rail network would provide a fast, safe and reliable way to travel across the state.”

The measure would create the High-Speed Railway Commission to assist the state and organizations like the High-Speed Rail Alliance, which produced a plan to create a high-speed rail from Chicago to St. Louis within the next 10 years, coordinate.

Read more: Stadelman moves Illinois one step closer to a high-speed rail network