SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes passed a bill in the Senate to expand real estate licensing in Illinois to brokers licensed in another state.

“To modernize our real estate practices in Illinois, this legislation would promote greater diversity in the market for many residents to utilize,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Allowing more brokers and managers from other states to operate in Illinois would benefit our residents and the businesses wanting to operate in our state.”

Senate Bill 3740 would require brokers and managing brokers licensed in another state who are applying for licensure in Illinois to follow specific guidelines to obtain licensure.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Javier Cervantes prohibits people from using social media or video calling apps while driving in Illinois starting Jan. 1.

“I am proud of the collaborative work we have done to protect Illinois drivers and ensure safe practices while driving in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will take action against drivers who neglectfully put others’ lives at risk. I want to thank community advocates and the Secretary of State’s office for working with us to protect Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2431 prohibits the use of any electronic communications device 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 law prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing his advocacy for immigrant employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 earlier this summer, State Senator Javier Cervantes brought forth a new plan that would protect marginalized workers and give employees time to correct employment verification document discrepancies before an enforcement action is taken against them.

“Throughout my years working alongside labor and health care organizations, I have seen employees hurt by this process,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “In working with the governor’s office and advocacy groups, we are confident we have come up with a plan that will protect employees and work for everyone involved in the verification process.”

Currently, federal immigration law requires employers to verify the legal work status of their employees through the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares information from an employee’s I-9 Form to records available to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm eligibility. If discrepancies are found, immigrant workers have the possibility of receiving a “no match” letter for a variety of reasons, including instances where the individual changed their name due to marriage. Many employers terminate employees who receive this notice, even though they could be legally working in the United States.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes’ initiative to expand personal care provider eligibility to include a person’s guardian, kin or siblings was signed into law Friday.

“Illinois residents have been pushing for personal care provider qualifications to include family members for a long time,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will ensure that family members can assist loved ones without hurting their eligibility for benefits.”

Work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 will continue 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes and State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado announced that they would continue their work to protect marginalized employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 that Cervantes sponsored in the Senate and Delgado led through the House.

SB1515 is aimed at protecting our immigration community, yet it fell short from its intention. Instead of moving forward with legislation that may not make Illinois a national example in protecting our immigrant community, Senator Cervantes, Representative Delgado, the Governor and advocates unanimously decided the best approach is to introduce a new bill that will make us leaders in the nation.

“We brought this legislation forward to protect employees and ensure Illinois is following through to protect workers’ rights,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve our goal with this legislation but the job does not stop there. I want to assure residents that I am committed to getting this measure right to protect our community.”

Delgado added, “Senator Cervantes and I are committed to continuing our work to protect all workers and determine a secure path for advancing workers’ rights in the workplace. No one should find themselves subject to, or in fear of name or social security number discrepancy notifications and we remain focused on working together with the Governor's office, labor leaders and advocates to bring forth a permanent solution for consideration during session in the fall.”

Senate Bill 1515 was vetoed by the governor on Friday. Cervantes and Delgado pledge to continue conversations and work with the administration and advocates to bring forth a solution for potential review in the fall veto session.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes’ measure to prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications, was signed into law Friday.

”This law will ensure Illinoisans are driving safely and not endangering anyone else on the roadways,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law takes action against drivers video calling and not paying attention to the road. I am proud to play a part in making Illinois a safer place for everyone.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes spearheaded a new law that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

”This law assists veterans and immigrants who are going to continue their real estate career in Illinois and have run into barriers in their continuing education requirements,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this law, we will help individuals reinstate their real estate license and continue their practice in Illinois.”

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.