Faraci measure to rename Kickapoo Rail Trail Bridge in honor of Scott Bennett passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci advanced an initiative that would honor the legacy and lasting impact of the late State Senator Scott Bennett by renaming the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail.

“Scott Bennett was not only a mentor to me, he was also a dear friend whose dedication to his communities has inspired much of my work in the Senate to date,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Renaming the bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail in honor of his life and work is common sense. He made tangible, necessary and valuable change for our communities with our residents’ best interest always at the forefront, and nothing deserves recognition more than that.”

Faraci’s proposal would honor Bennett’s memory in Vermilion County by designating the railroad trestle bridge on Kickapoo Rail Trail as the Senator Scott Bennett Memorial Bridge. The measure would also allow the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to erect plaques in recognition of the designation, pending the agency’s funding availability.

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Morrison joins advocates for press conference supporting Child Advocacy Centers

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison joined Child Advocacy Center leaders from across the state to raise awareness about support the centers’ provide to children and advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 3510.

“Think about a child who has been abused or sexually assaulted. Rather than passing them from the police station to another room, they go to one place – one environment – to tell their story once,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is so impactful that we have Child Advocacy Centers in Illinois that allow this streamlined approach.”

Read more: Morrison joins advocates for press conference supporting Child Advocacy Centers

Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.

“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.

Read more: Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate

Stadelman advances stronger safeguards for domestic abuse survivors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate that would strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and stalking by eliminating gaps that can occur between emergency and final orders of protection, ensuring continuous enforcement during the transition.

“This proposal came directly from a real situation where someone’s safety was put at risk because of a delay,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “We shouldn’t allow technicalities to override common sense when it comes to protecting victims.”

Read more: Stadelman advances stronger safeguards for domestic abuse survivors