SPRINGFIELD – To prevent minors who are survivors of human trafficking, or other factors such as sexual abuse, from being tried as adults in certain criminal cases, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a House bill out of the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Wednesday.

“Survivors of child trafficking and abuse have endured unimaginable trauma and pain, and they should not be tried as adult criminals when they are simply trying to defend themselves and escape their abusers,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Survivors deserve our support and compassion, and a system that protects - not punishes them.”

House Bill 3414 was inspired by Sara Kruzan, a survivor of child sex trafficking who was sentenced to life in prison when she was only 17 years old. She was eventually released and pardoned, however this legislation seeks to protect future survivors from a similar fate.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce passed a measure out of committee today that would allow for an easier way to obtain a hunting, fishing, trapping and sportsmen license.

“We are working to provide a practical solution for avid hunters, anglers and trappers in the state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s a win-win for everyone — making it easier for people to enjoy these hobbies while supporting our state’s conservation efforts.”

House Bill 3677 would allow Illinois residents to obtain a three-year fishing, hunting, sportsmen’s combination or trapping license at three times the cost of an annual one.

SPRINGFIELD – As school districts around the state continue struggling to fill teaching positions, Senate Democrats hosted a press conference in Springfield on Thursday announcing a number of legislative measures that would help address the void.

“Teachers have a significant, lifelong impact on their students. The impact involves not just teaching particular academic skills, but fostering life skills, creativity and productivity that leads to positive outcomes for years to come,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “Attracting quality educators to our state is vital to our education system and providing our children with the best possible education.”

According to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, there are more than 5,300 unfilled positions in schools. In an attempt to address the vacancies and increase the substitute teacher pool, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel introduced a plan – House Bill 3442 – which would allow a substitute teacher who has filled a vacancy left by a licensed teacher to teach in an emergency situation for 90 days or until the end of the semester, whichever is greater, if the school distinct files a written request with the appropriate regional office of education.

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans deserve companionship – that’s why State Senator Loughran Cappel passed a measure out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Thursday that would waive fees for veterans adopting dogs or cats.

“There is a special bond people share with their animals,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “For our veterans, this bond can help their health and happiness.”

Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. Loughran Cappel’s measure would require animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced legislation that presumes that Chicago police and firefighters who became disabled as a result of COVID-19 from March 9, 2020 to June 30, 2021, contracted COVID-19 while on the job.

"Let’s right the wrongs that have been done to those who put their lives on the line for the people of Chicago," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "As we’ve learned, this legislation is just the right thing to do for the emergency first responder community and I look forward to passing it through the Senate."

BLOOMINGTON – State Senator Dave Koehler was pleased to see the Home Repair and Accessibility Program will provide $350,000 to the city of Bloomington to help low-income homes with much needed repairs.

“Every Illinoisan should have a stable roof over their head,” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This funding will provide financial assistance for residents in Bloomington who can’t afford the necessary repairs for their home.” 

The grant program will help provide low-income homeowners with health, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. The funding is designed to serve underfunded communities and ensure residents are able to stay in their homes.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect the beaver population and regulate the activities of nuisance wildlife operators, State Senator Patrick Joyce advanced a measure out of the Senate Agriculture Committee Thursday.

“Some people don’t realize that beavers provide benefits to humans, such as improved water quality and flood control,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It’s important we protect these animals and trap them correctly without destroying their homes.”

House Bill 2461 would make it unlawful to destroy or disturb dams, lodges, burrows or feed beds of beavers while trapping them. Additionally, the bill requires that anyone who acts as a nuisance wildlife control operator for a fee must obtain a permit.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura passed a measure through the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Wednesday that would protect highly vulnerable individuals from deceitful tactics in legal proceedings.

“We need protections in place to protect those who may fall victim to these harmful practices, especially those with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).

Currently, a confession by a minor that was made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention is presumed to be inadmissible in a criminal proceeding or a juvenile court proceeding as evidence against the minor if, during the custodial interrogation, a law enforcement officer or juvenile officer knowingly engages in deception.