SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes sponsored legislation that would prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications.

“We are prioritizing safety with this legislation, because no video call is worth someone getting hurt,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We are taking action against drivers who put themselves and everyone around them in danger with straightforward legislation that will protect Illinois drivers.”

House Bill 2431 would make it illegal to use any electronic communications devices while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the bill prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist military service members and immigrants in getting into the real estate industry, State Senator Javier Cervantes is leading a measure that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

“We are removing the red tape on real estate licensing for veterans and immigrants wishing to continue their real estate career here in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This will ensure that those who may feel left out of the market can find licensing opportunities and continue to practice their profession.”

Senate Bill 1866 creates the Real Estate Omnibus, which will remove barriers faced by veterans and Immigrants who are trying to obtain licensing for real estate.

Under this measure, veterans will have all continuing education requirements waived upon seeking reactivation of their real estate license within two years after their time in service. This will also waive requirements for Social Security Numbers and will allow those with individual Taxpayer ID Numbers to apply for a license in real estate or as community association managers, auctioneers, or home inspectors.

Under the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board, those who are seeking auctioneer licenses and have attended courses in this area will also be accepted for licensure.

“Many folks are running into barriers that will not let them enter a career in real estate due to their military status or their immigration status,” Cervantes said. “This legislation removes these barriers and gives our residents more agency over their career in real estate.”

Senate Bill 1866 passed the Senate on Thursday and will now head to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To support working Illinois residents who may be fearful of their job security, State Senator Javier Cervantes advanced legislation to protect immigrant employees who are working legally within the United States.

”For years I stood beside marginalized groups as they fought for the same rights as everyone else,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This is a huge win for employees working legally in the United States who may be fearful of their job security, and I am thrilled to see this legislation move forward.”

Currently, federal immigration law requires employers to verify that their employees are lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Immigrants who are employed have the possibility of receiving a “no match” letter from the Social Security Administration for a variety of reasons such as name changes, work authorizations, employment visas and other bureaucratic errors. Usually, employers terminate employees who receive a “no match” letter even though these employees could be legally working in the United States.

SPRINGFIELD – To allow residents working in Illinois to know for certain that their employment is safe, State Senator Javier Cervantes is working to pass legislation that will protect immigrant employees who are working legally within the United States.

“Currently, employers can use the E-Verify system to target and discriminate against immigrant employees, creating undue stress on their employment,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “When someone goes to work, they shouldn’t have to worry about their employer reporting them unknowingly and should be given some reasonable transparency to this process.”

Currently, federal immigration law requires employers to verify that their employees are lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Immigrants who are employed have the possibility of receiving a “no match” letter from the Social Security Administration for a variety of reasons such as name changes, work authorizations, employment visas and other bureaucratic errors. Usually, employers terminate employees who receive a “no match” letter even though these employees could be legally working in the United States.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing to support our growing workforce in Illinois, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is building support for new legislation creating the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program that will assist students in STEM fields here in Illinois.

“How we support our students affects how the workforce of the future will find good paying jobs. Illinois is here to support students through their educational journey and ensure they reach their destination,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “These growing tech fields are in dire need of employees and we are creating a pipeline for students to grow their life here in Illinois.”

The new legislation, Senate Bill 1453, will create the Graduate and Retain Our Workforce Illinois Program, otherwise known as the GROW Illinois Program, is intended to allow public institutions of higher education to award forgivable loans to individuals with qualifying degrees and jobs that are in high demand.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes is happy to announce that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has awarded grants to 48 communities in need of lead service line replacements, including a $40,000 grant for the Village of Lyons and $40,000 for the Village of Stickney.

“We need to prioritize clean drinking water being available to all communities,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “These funds will be utilized to identify and create a plan to repair lead service lines within our area.”

The Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act requires owners and operators of community water supplies in Illinois to submit a complete water service line material inventory for the Illinois EPA’s approval no later than April 15, 2024. The complete inventory must report the composition of all service lines within the CWS’s distribution system.