SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students across the state are kept safe and treated with respect at school, State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to address corporal punishment against students in private and non-public schools.
“Corporal punishment should never be used in schools. It is not only harmful physically, but it also teaches children that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Illinois students deserve equal protection under the law, no matter where they attend school.”
House Bill 4175 would prohibit the use of corporal and physical punishment in all schools in Illinois, except the use of certain restraints in specific circumstances to prevent a student from imminently harming themselves or others. Currently, physical punishment is only explicitly prohibited in public schools. Johnson’s measure would extend the prohibition to all private and non-public schools.
Read more: Johnson advances measure to prohibit corporal punishment in private schools
SPRINGFIELD - State Senators Ram Villivalam and Celina Villanueva lead discussions about achieving clean and equitable transportation, buildings and an electric grid at a press conference Tuesday.
“Sustainable transportation must be made a priority in Illinois,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago) “It supports livable, walkable communities, enables equitable and affordable access to essential goods and services, underpins a vibrant economy, and improves public health.”
The Senators are working on a package of measures to target reaching clean and equitable transportation, buildings and an electric grid that will in turn benefit Illinoisans by providing greater access to affordable, reliable and clean resources.
Read more: Villivalam and Villanueva lead clean energy discussions
SPRINGFIELD – Vehicle owners may soon have another defense in the uptick in theft of catalytic convertors in Illinois.
“Replacing catalytic converters is an unnecessary cost and time consuming burden for vehicle owners,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This measure will provide drivers with a tool to stop the stripping of catalytic converters and hold recyclable metal dealers accountable to stop the illegal sale of these parts.”
Hastings’ measure, House Bill 4589, would require recyclable metal dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings of the catalytic convertor.
Read more: Hastings advances measure to combat catalytic convertor theft
SPRINGFIELD - A measure sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam would make it easier for people who have completed masonry programs to receive community college credit.
“Supporting people who are continuing their education is imperative,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “By including masonry into one of the non-degree programs that can be accepted, we will ensure that education is more accessible and equitable.”
The measure would ensure that community colleges accept up to 30 credit hours transferred from a non-degree institution for finishing a masonry program. Currently there are 36 non-degree programs that can be approved, which include programs such as general carpentry, pharmacy technician and welding.
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