CHICAGO – To keep consumers with latex allergies safe when visiting a restaurant, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) passed a law to ban food service establishments from using latex gloves.

“Avoiding allergies when going out to eat can be difficult for those allergic to latex,” Jones said. “This law protects diners from being harmed in ways they cannot predict.”

House Bill 209 bans food service establishments, EMS personnel and health care facility personnel from using latex gloves when handling and preparing food. Currently the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act does not regulate the use of gloves to prepare or handle food.

CHICAGO – A new law sponsored by State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) that will protect restaurants, bars and other businesses from deceptive delivery services was signed into law Friday.

“Restaurants have long been the victim of deceitful delivery services that are taking advantage of them and profiting off the hard work of the business,” Jones said. “This law protects businesses and helps them thrive.”

House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurant, bars and retail establishments. 

CHICAGO – A new law championed by State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) will mandate and require private insurers to allow men to get annual prostate cancer screenings free-of-charge.

“It’s important to be aware of your health risks — this law will make prostate cancer screenings more accessible for men across the state,” Jones said. “Prostate cancer is life threatening — a simple test can help detect it early and save lives.”

SPRINGFIELD – To keep children safe from reckless drivers, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) passed legislation to make speeding in park zones an equivalent punishment to speeding in school zones.

“Parents should have the peace of mind that when their student is at school or at the park playing or running around with friends that they’re safe from reckless drivers,” Jones said. “When children are outside, drivers must be cautious and careful behind the wheel.”

House Bill 5328 would make speeding in a park zone the same as speeding in a school zone. Additionally, it clarifies that school zone speed limits apply to local, county and state roadways.

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is sponsoring legislation to mandate and require private insurers to allow men to get annual prostate cancer screenings free-of-charge.

“It’s important to be aware of your health risks — this bill will make prostate cancer screenings more accessible for men across the state,” Jones said. “Prostate cancer is life threatening — a simple test can detect it early and save a life.”

House Bill 5318 would require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Deputy Majority Leader Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Pritzker’s proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget:

“While we have made progress toward tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, more work must be done to provide protections for our frontline and healthcare workers. Furthermore, we must do more to support our safety net hospitals, which are the backbone for health care in marginalized communities.

“Safety nets make up 19.1% of our state’s hospitals and care for our state’s most vulnerable populations. We must ensure that they are funded properly, and equipped with adequate staffing and resources.

CHICAGO – State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) is in full support of the Chicago Teacher’s Union decision to return to remote learning after a vote Tuesday night.

“With the recent rise in cases it is crucial that we keep our children and educators safe during this time, which makes remote schooling the best option,” Jones said. “It is shameful that the City of Chicago would lock teachers out of their portals, inhibiting them from doing their jobs and blocking access to the resources needed for teaching.”

Though CTU instructed its members to work remotely, CPS has not accepted the decision, cancelling all classes, sporting events and extracurricular activities scheduled for Wednesday.

However, food service was still available at schools between 9 a.m. and noon, and COVID testing and vaccination events will continue as scheduled.

“Our primary concern should be the children – their needs and their safety,” Jones said. “The union voted to temporarily bring back e-learning and they should be supported in their decision. Anything in opposition would disrupt the children’s learning further, and they don’t need any more setbacks.”

CTU cited rising numbers of COVID-19 cases among students and teachers as part of the reason for the switch to remote learning. CPS has been criticized for not providing adequate testing and better-quality masking and other protocols in the wake of the omicron surge.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate approved a resolution sponsored by State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) urging the Attorney General to establish a task force examining the creation of a statewide conviction integrity unit.

The creation of the integrity unit will seek to identify and overturn wrongful convictions, setting anyone who has been falsely imprisoned free.

“No one should be serving time for a crime they did not commit,” Jones said. “The criminal justice system at times proves to have no justice at all, especially for Black and Brown folks.”

Though African Americans make up only 13% of America’s population, they make up 47% of America’s exonerations. According to the City Bureau, over 2,000 Americans have been wrongfully convicted since 1989. Illinois has had 303 wrongful convictions since then.