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Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 04:32 PM
  • Ventura
  • Child Incarceration
  • SB 2156
  • Child First Reform Task Force

SenatorRVentura

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura presented a new bill in committee that seeks to reform the state's approach to child incarceration. Senate Bill 2156 would establish the Child First Reform Task Force to review and recommend reforms to the juvenile justice system, including training for courts and law enforcement on child-first directives and integrating restorative practices. Prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, the bill aims to create a more compassionate system that protects children’s rights and addresses the broader consequences of criminalization.

“This task force will gather essential insights to help reshape our juvenile justice system with a child-first approach — one that prioritizes rehabilitation, healing and prevention while still ensuring accountability and safety. This is a crucial step toward justice for our children and communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation is not just about reforming systems; it’s about redefining how we see and support our children. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the resources and opportunities to grow into a healthy, productive adult. By investing in community-based alternatives to juvenile detention, we can create real, positive change that helps troubled youth find a better path forward.”

Read more: Ventura to address child incarceration under proposed task force

Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 06:24 PM
  • Cannabis Odor
  • Raw or Burnt
  • SB042

ventura 021825SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura ensuring that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis could not alone constitute a search of a motor vehicle, driver or passenger passed through the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday.

“A recent state Supreme Court ruling gave a conflicting directive between raw and burnt cannabis, shifting a huge burden to law enforcement to know the difference,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill aims to clean up that court ruling by directing law enforcement to consider all factors — not just odor — in deciding if the law has been broken.”

 

Read more: Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee

Ventura to expand clean energy financing, tackle state’s role in deforestation

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Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Tuesday, February 04, 2025 05:26 PM
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Deforestation
  • Illinois Climate Bank

ventura 020425SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her work as an environmental advocate, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a few new measures to support green infrastructure loans for municipalities and counties, as well as limit the state’s role in deforestation.

"Meeting our state's clean energy goals and tackling the climate crisis requires real investment in our communities. That’s why expanding low-cost financial options for local governments is critical to accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

Under one measure proposed by Ventura, the Illinois Finance Authority would be allowed to reallocate funds from inactive programs to assist in the development and implementation of clean energy initiatives. With this change, $36 million would become available to support the Illinois Climate Bank— which provides financing to help communities transition to clean energy — ultimately improving climate resiliency and promoting equitable growth across Illinois.

Read more: Ventura to expand clean energy financing, tackle state’s role in deforestation

Ventura to tackle high water prices, reclaim water rights

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Friday, January 31, 2025 03:16 PM
  • Utility Bills
  • Ventura
  • SB 1513
  • Water Lines

RCUBPressConference

SPRINGFIELD – Following the water rate hikes that affected Bolingbrook and the surrounding area, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a measure that would allow municipalities to buy back their private water lines through a ballot referendum. The measure is being supported in the house by Representative Dagmara Avelar.

“Water is essential to all life — I believe water should never be privatized for this reason. We cannot allow profits to be put over people,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect access to clean, affordable drinking water, as well as advocate to reform water policies that have continually hurt consumers.”

SB 1513 follows recent water rate hikes in Bolingbrook and surrounding areas in July 2024, which sparked public outrage with residents citing already high water bills and rising living expenses. Under the proposed legislation, a municipality would be able to buy back their water rights from private water utility companies using eminent domain, led by a vote via referendum in any regular election.

Read more: Ventura to tackle high water prices, reclaim water rights

Ventura law to protect tenants from rental transaction fees

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 12:01 PM
  • Ventura
  • Rent Processing Fees
  • HB4206

ventura rent 082024SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law State Senator Rachel Ventura advanced, landlords will now be required to be more flexible with payment options to protect renters from additional payment transaction fees.

“Some leases require 2-3% of rent to cover processing fees, which adds a lot to an already high rent,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By requiring landlords to also accept cash or check, we help save Illinoisans from unnecessary transaction fees on their rental payments.”

Transactional fees on rent payments can vary depending on the total rent payment and the service a landlord uses. For example, if a tenant is paying $1,000 a month on rent and is required by the landlord to use a credit or debit card, the processing fee could be around 2-3%, making it an additional $20-30 per month.

 

Read more: Ventura law to protect tenants from rental transaction fees

New local government grant program to reduce carbon footprint thanks to Ventura

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Thursday, August 15, 2024 01:18 PM
  • IDNR
  • Climate Change
  • Ventura
  • SB2781
  • Local Government Grants

ventura 081524SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law led by State Senator Rachel Ventura, a new grant program for local governments to help mitigate the impact of climate change and tackle growing emission rates from automobiles and trucks will be created.

“Every level of government needs to address the climate crisis and do their part to help our planet. The cost for an abundance of trees and native grasses can add up quickly, but this program will allow local governments that may not normally be able to afford these projects to take advantage of funding to do so,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By creating this opportunity and encouraging local governments to plant native trees and grasses, which are proven to help mitigate climate change through carbon capture, we can aid the process of healing our planet for future generations significantly.”

Read more: New local government grant program to reduce carbon footprint thanks to Ventura

Schools set to have intentional downtime under new Ventura law

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Wednesday, August 07, 2024 02:25 PM
  • Ventura
  • SB2872
  • intentional downtime

VenturaSPRINGFIELD – With anxiety and stress increasing in schools, State Senator Rachel Ventura championed a new law aimed at easing the growing stress that students face in classrooms, prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being to enhance focus and reduce anxiety during school hours.

“Just as adults have a multitude of stressors, students also have the pressure to constantly and consistently perform above average. Our children deserve just a few minutes for themselves. Purposeful relaxation time will empower students to develop effective stress and anxiety management strategies,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “As both a parent and mental health advocate, I believe that allocating at least 20 minutes per week for students to unwind and prioritize their mental health will alleviate the constant pressure to engage in mental tasks, leading to improved academic performance.”

Senate Bill 2872 provides instruction for school districts on relaxation activities, such as mindful-based movements, yoga, stretching, meditation, breathing exercises, guided relaxation techniques, quiet time, walking, in-person conversation, and other stress-relieving activities, once a week for 20 minutes, in addition to recess, to enhance physical and emotional health.

Read more: Schools set to have intentional downtime under new Ventura law

Special education students get needed services under Ventura backed law

Details
Category: Senator Rachel Ventura News
Friday, July 19, 2024 04:36 PM
  • Ventura
  • Special Education Students
  • HB4581

ventura 071924SPRINGFIELD – School districts will now be required to provide resources and services for special education students who do not have a guardian under a new law backed by State Senator Rachel Ventura.

“This law was crafted to advocate for special high needs education students who do not have a guardian to petition schools to provide resources for them,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Everybody deserves an education that provides them the resources they need to succeed. We cannot in good conscience leave these students to fend for themselves if they need a specialized school to meet their needs so they can succeed.”

Read more: Special education students get needed services under Ventura backed law

More Articles …

  1. Ventura passes resolution to declare Race Amity Day in Illinois
  2. Ventura initiative to expand clean energy infrastructure loans to counties passes both houses
  3. House passes Ventura initiative to expand clean energy infrastructure loans to counties
  4. Ventura leads bipartisan bill to provide psilocybin treatments
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