Villa pushes to end discriminatory disciplining in schools

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative addressing discriminatory school disciplinary practices championed by State Senator Karina Villa passed the Senate on Wednesday.

“A student being ticketed for behavior at school can result in them being thrown into the system, hindering their future opportunities,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “School discipline that mirrors law enforcement practices is ineffective at addressing the root causes of student behavior.”

Senate Bill 1519 would ensure that no person is allowed to issue a fine or fee to a student as a disciplinary consequence for behavior during school. The bill would also require school districts with a school resource officer to have a memorandum of understanding with their local law enforcement agency, establishing that SROs are properly trained and do not use fines or tickets for disciplinary infractions.

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Illinois Senate Democrats stand up for agriculture on Ag Day

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the 55th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day, highlighting the importance of supporting farmers and the state’s agricultural industry.

Illinois Ag Legislative Day is a long-standing tradition that allows Future Farmers of America members the opportunity to learn firsthand how to become strong advocates for the agriculture industry and agricultural education.

Additionally, these organizations provide baskets filled with agricultural products and specialty lunches for the legislators. These items serve as a reminder of the multiple facets agriculture touches in the lives of their constituents and the impacts their choices make on the industry.

Read more: Illinois Senate Democrats stand up for agriculture on Ag Day

Koehler's bill creating the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler to establish the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission and preserve the state's Underground Railroad history passed the Senate Wednesday.

"This commission honors the courage of freedom seekers and highlights Illinois' critical role in their journey," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "By preserving and sharing these important historical sites, we ensure future generations understand and appreciate this powerful part of our state's story."

Read more: Koehler's bill creating the Illinois Freedom Trails Commission passes Senate

Turner-led bill expanding ag education heads to House

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner, a strong advocate for agriculture education, passed a measure that would allow any agriculture-related course to satisfy the vocational education requirement for public high school students.

“A lot of kids know early on that they want to have a career in agriculture, whether that’s farming, becoming an agricultural economist, farm manager or researcher,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We should let them take classes that peak their interests, not force them into electives they have no interest in.”

Senate Bill 1605 would clarify in statute that agricultural education, agricultural business or any other agriculture-related course can satisfy the vocational education requirement for public high school students beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. Currently, one year of music, art, foreign language, vocational education or speech and debate are required to graduate from high school.

Read more: Turner-led bill expanding ag education heads to House