SPRINGFIELD — A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters ensures the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed.

“Our workers are the backbone of our state, and when things become uncertain at the federal level, it’s our job to ensure their rights are protected,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law sends a clear message that in Illinois, we fight for working people, and we will not back down.” 

The law prevents the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ law also requires IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and allows legal actions against employers who violate them.

CHICAGO — In recent public remarks, the federal administration threatened to change statutes on cash bail in Illinois and Washington, D.C., accusing the SAFE-T Act and the end of cash bail of increasing crime rates in Chicago. To set the record straight on both the law and the facts, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Once again, the federal administration is spreading dangerous misinformation – this time falsely claiming the end of cash bail in Illinois has led to rising crime rates across the state, particularly in Chicago, and that murderers are being released the same day they commit a crime. This could not be further from the truth.

“Not only are these claims blatantly wrong, they are intentionally misleading in order to spread fear. The truth is very simple: Illinois now prioritizes public safety over wealth. Under our state’s criminal justice system reform, individuals are detained or released based on whether they pose a risk to the community or are likely to flee – not on whether they can afford to foot the bill. That means someone with money doesn’t get a free pass, and someone without it isn’t jailed simply because they’re poor.

SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency.

“Families who are in need of DCFS’ services are already experiencing hardship – the last thing they need is to be treated like criminals by an agency meant to be offering support,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures these families receive the respect and care they deserve and that DCFS helps the way it was intended.”

Peters’ law removes the department’s statutory authority to appoint personnel to act as peace officers in counties with more than 500,000 people. Instead, it reaffirms that any law enforcement needs involving DCFS will be handled by local or state police.

SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement will become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Our residents deserve retirement savings options that offer them greater flexibility and control while still prioritizing their financial security,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law does just that – empowering people to tailor their financial planning, addressing financial vulnerability and promoting equity in retirement savings.”

In 2015, the state created the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program to address the growing gap in retirement savings for Illinois workers. Nearly 40% of private sector workers in Illinois do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving many with no way to save for the future. Since its inception, the program has helped over 150,000 participants save more than $200 million for retirement, with more than 25,000 employers offering the program to their workers. 

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is reshaping the way agencies respond to mental health crises and offer critical services to those in need, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that ensures better coordination, training and accountability in the delivery of behavioral health services.

“We’re dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, reducing stigma and optimizing resource allocation for mental health services,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We must prevent individuals from falling through the cracks, and we do that by equipping crisis responders with the skills to assess needs accurately and connect people with the appropriate care.”

Under Peters’ law, the implementation deadline of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act is extended until July 1, 2027, ensuring a more thorough and thoughtful rollout of critical services. The law comes at a time when mental health services are under increasing strain, with more people experiencing mental health crises and a heightened demand for accessible care.

SPRINGFIELD — Community violence prevention programs save lives, but to be effective, they need long-term support and flexibility. Thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters, efforts to curb firearm violence in the state are holding strong by giving organizations more time to access critical resources and improving the way the state coordinates its response.

“We must empower community violence prevention programs with the tools they need to focus on their core mission: saving lives and creating safer areas for our residents to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law continues the momentum we’ve been building to address the root causes of firearm violence and invest in prevention and intervention.”

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A new law from State Senator Robert Peters is changing that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“Women and people of color deserve the same esteem as other workers in similar fields, and people who have worked hard to earn benefits deserve to take advantage of them,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures businesses in Illinois treat our workers fairly, protecting their rights to equal pay and full access to their benefits.”

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois survivors of abuse and assault are closer to obtaining a fairer justice system, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Survivors of abuse have already endured unimaginable trauma,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our justice system should never add to their suffering by silencing them or leaving them behind.” 

Peters’ bill defends victims of domestic abuse, reinforcing their right to be heard. Under the measure, law enforcement would be prohibited from discouraging or attempting to discourage a victim of abuse, neglect, exploitation or sexual assault from filing a police report – holding police accountable and allowing victims to seek justice without fear of being silenced.