Universities to remove standardized test requirement for acceptance under new law

SPRINGFIELD – Students can choose whether or not to submit their ACT and SAT scores when applying to Illinois colleges and universities, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law Friday.

“Standardized tests are not what universities need to rely on when accepting students,” Belt said. “This necessary transition away from test scores will benefit those students who have the capability to be accepted into Illinois’ universities, but may struggle with test anxieties.”

The new law, led by Belt and House Sponsor LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis), creates the Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, which would prohibit Illinois’ public universities from relying solely on a student’s ACT or SAT score to make an admissions decision.

Read more: Universities to remove standardized test requirement for acceptance under new law

Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

Read more: Routine dental care could come to schools under Morrison law

Castro’s Housing is Recovery Pilot Program signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) spearheaded a new law to create a program that will help people with serious mental illness or substance use disorders by enabling access to affordable housing and support services.

“Supporting those struggling the most in our communities is a top priority,” Castro said. “Taking a ‘Housing First’ approach to mental illness and addiction treatment will ensure that those most vulnerable are treated with dignity and compassion.”

Often, people with a serious mental illness or substance use disorder lack affordable housing, causing increased institutionalization, incarceration or risk of death from an overdose. This law creates the Housing is Recovery Pilot Program to help prevent people with a serious mental illness or people who are at high risk of overdose due to lack of support services from being institutionalized or dying.

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Murphy: New law allows student athletes to be their authentic selves on and off the field

SPRINGFIELD – Students of all backgrounds can represent their schools with confidence under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) giving students more flexibility in the design of their athletic uniforms.

“Athletic uniforms are about establishing a sense of camaraderie between team members, but for many students, the design of a uniform can be a barrier,” Murphy said. “This law represents a step forward for diversity and inclusion in Illinois.”

The law enables student athletes at public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and community colleges in Illinois to modify their athletic or team uniform to be in accordance with their cultural values, modesty standards or religion.

The legislation was sponsored in the House by State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).

Read more: Murphy: New law allows student athletes to be their authentic selves on and off the field