Villanueva pushes for restroom equality

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed legislation to allow businesses to create gender-neutral multi-occupancy restrooms.

“Businesses deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about how they want to be more inclusive to the community,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Inclusion and equality is at the heart of this measure.”

In January 2020, it became law that all single occupancy public bathrooms in Illinois become gender neutral.

House Bill 1286 simply expands on that law. However, the legislation is permissive – gender specific multiple-occupancy restrooms are still allowed. Moreover, multiple-occupancy all-gender restrooms will have to meet additional privacy safeguards. Any restroom designated for all genders must have specified signage and stall dividers.

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Senator Fine’s measure improving 988 call center operations passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – In order to make the 988 hotline as effective as possible for hotline operators and people experiencing a mental health crisis, State Senator Laura Fine is launching an initiative to review data from the first year of operations and recommend updates for the future.

“As the 988 hotline is the most accessible form of mental health care in Illinois, it is imperative that we are operating it in the most effective way to provide the best care for Illinoisans struggling with their mental health,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This study will provide more insight into where we can grow and adjust our operations to better serve people experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Last year, Illinois launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit dialing code for a national suicide prevention and mental health hotline, offering 24/7 access to trained counselors who can help people experiencing a mental health-related crisis. The hotline has been beneficial to many Illinoisans, and this study will ensure we continue to improve the 988 system.

Read more: Senator Fine’s measure improving 988 call center operations passes Senate

Johnson to allow formerly incarcerated individuals to serve as executors of someone else’s estate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson led a measure through the Senate to allow people with previous felony convictions to serve as an executor of someone else’s estate if expressly named.  

“We are taking a vital step to restore dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Families should be free to choose who takes on this sacred duty. This measure will be one less domino in the effects of permanent punishments that devastate children, families, and communities of color across Illinois.”

House Bill 1268 would allow people with previous felony convictions to act as executor of someone else’s estate. Under the measure, a convicted felon could only serve as an executor if the deceased person expressly names that person in their will and acknowledges they know the person is a convicted felon.

Read more: Johnson to allow formerly incarcerated individuals to serve as executors of someone else’s estate

Villivalam outlines comprehensive public transit proposal

SPRINGFIELD – From making public transit safer and more environmentally friendly to providing reduced fares and financial assistance for at-risk communities, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are leading a comprehensive public transit plan, which they outlined at a press conference Tuesday.

“Public transit is essential to people’s lives and livelihoods,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Illinois must build an equitable future for public transportation that prioritizes all of our neighbors.”                                

The measure – spearheaded by Villivalam – would allow public transit agencies to suspend problematic riders if the rider commits or provides a reasonable apprehension of assault, battery, sexual assault, or violations of public indecency.

“HB1342 is a significant step to get our public transportation systems on the right track,” said Frances Orenic, Illinois AFL-CIO Coalitions Director. “Transportation operators have been under assault and are asking for solutions. This legislation provides operators with the resources they need to care for themselves, and to guarantee optimal conditions for riders by putting public safety first.”

Read more: Villivalam outlines comprehensive public transit proposal