SPRINGFIELD – A plan will be presented this fall to replace dismantled vehicle emissions inspection stations in Chicago after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) passed the Senate Friday.
“This legislation will help restore a badly needed service in Chicago and in the northwest suburbs,” Martwick said. “People shouldn’t have to drive for miles and wait in long lines in order to meet this requirement for their vehicles.”
Senate Bill 1234 as amended would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to submit a written report to the General Assembly by Oct. 1 2022, which would include a plan to replace the dismantled emissions inspection stations within the City of Chicago. The plan would help establish a pilot program or permanent replacement program as well as a timeline to implement the plan.
Read more: Martwick sponsored measure to restore emissions stations in Chicago advances
SPRINGFIELD – A measure to simplify the process for use of a county recorder’s official seal passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday, under the leadership of Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora).
Sen. Holmes introduced Senate Bill 3187 to streamline the recording process to establish a stamped or electronic version of the county seal satisfies the signature requirement for record instruments.
“The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Reporters approached me about clarifying this issue after a Sangamon County Recorder’s office customer believed the printed name of the Recorder should be considered a signature,” Holmes said. “In any case where there is doubt as to whether a printed Recorder’s name is legal, this clearly states the recorded document is legal.”
Read more: Senator Holmes measure provides clarity with use of county recorders’ seal as signature
SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to empower students and provide them with greater access to the resources they need, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) initiated and passed a measure, Senate Bill 4028, that will require Illinois elementary and high schools to discuss how and where to find access to mental health treatment.
“Our children have been through constant stress the last two years,” said Simmons. “Their sacrifices from the pandemic have exacerbated the growing mental health crisis among our state’s youth.”
The measure also will create a Student Mental Health Council that will include 6 youth from across Illinois, and 3 community-based mental health providers, including one that will be LGBTQ-led, one led by a person of color, and one woman-led, bringing underrepresented communities to the table to evaluate gaps in existing mental health services and to recommend systemic improvements so our youth feel empowered and supported by mental health providers.
Read more: Simmons leads measure to increase mental health support for students
SPRINGFIELD –Action sponsored by State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) that protects the rights of workers moved out of the Senate Friday.
“Current law does not accurately reflect the working habits of our society, which is why this measure is so critical,” Villanueva said. “Having clear, strong labor laws is one of the most important ways we prevent the exploitation of workers whose contributions allow our communities to prosper.”
Senate Bill 3146 updates the One Day Rest in Seven Act, which entitles workers to a 24-hour period of rest in a work week. The updated language will further define a work week and add provisions regarding breaks during a shift lasting more than 7.5 hours. Senator Villanueva’s measure will also increase the cost of the civil offenses, making the maximum $500 for employers with more than 25 employees. Smaller businesses will receive adjusted penalties to reflect the difference in workforce size, making the maximum $250 for employers with fewer than 25 employees.
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