SPRINGFIELD – In a continued effort to ensure survivors of crime are treated with dignity and respect from the moment they come forward, State Senator Celina Villanueva is leading legislation to protect victims from deceptive practices during investigations.

“Survivors of crime deserve compassion and transparency—not manipulation,” said Senator Villanueva (D-Chicago). “This measure makes it clear that basic dignity and truthfulness are not an option during investigations—they’re a right.”

House Bill 3710 affirms that individuals who report being a crime victim have the right to be treated with fairness and respect, including during the investigatory stage. The bill would also prohibit the use of deception by law enforcement, defining it as the knowing communication of false facts about evidence.

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers could soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a measure led by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate.

“As societal pressures grow, more people are prioritizing their mental health, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Resources need to be easily accessible, especially for teachers who may need it for themselves or a student in a time of need.”

House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards.

“Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is a simple way to keep everyone safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When someone chooses to ride their bike, whether to commute or for enjoyment, they should be confident they are safe and protected.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, House Bill 2675, local government and municipality-owned bicycle trails must contain signage or other warning markers alerting cyclists to known emergencies or hazards. If a highway crossing is already controlled by a stop light or stop sign, additional crossing signage for cyclists would not be required.

SPRINGFIELD – Leading efforts to promote responsible gun ownership and enhance public safety in Illinois, State Senator Laura Ellman outlined legislation at a press conference on Tuesday, joined by One Aim Illinois Advocacy, survivors of gun violence, and advocates encouraging safe gun storage.

“Unsecured firearms in homes pose serious risks, including unintentional shootings and suicides,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Illinois has seen climbing numbers of firearm-related tragedies involving youth accessing unsecure guns, and our state has a clear need to prioritize preventive efforts.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Karina Villa passed a measure through the Senate to address the mental health concerns of defendants who have been determined to be unfit for trial languishing in county jails.

“Our justice system is not equipped to care for every individual deemed unfit for trail in need of mental health treatment, resulting in worse mental health outcomes for these individuals,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “This not only inhibits a person’s right to due process and a fair trial, but further increases the chances of an individual remaining in the system.”

SPRINGFIELD ─ To provide families and legal guardians with information about services their child might need, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced legislation aimed at increasing opportunities to inform parents about the Early Intervention program.

“Early intervention is life-changing for many families, as these programs provide critical services and therapies as children develop,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “But, these services can only benefit those they are able to reach, which means uplifting the program and expanding its outreach to those who need it is imperative.”

SPRINGFIELD — As their community faces exponentially rising costs of living and gentrification, State Senator Graciela Guzmán and State Representative Will Guzzardi have developed legislation to collect data on the lack of more affordable housing options, inspiring agencies and organizations to invest in developing more affordable housing.

“Illinois has developed several programs to prevent homelessness and support the most vulnerable in our communities, but there is a gap in support for people who make slightly more, but still struggle to afford to live in their neighborhoods,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Our initiative will demonstrate how great the need for more affordable housing is, taking the first step for us to address this issue and get working folks in reasonably priced living situations.” 

SPRINGFIELD — To expand dual language programs in grade schools, State Senator Graciela Guzmán has developed a measure to incentivize more schools across the state to adopt the program, at little to no cost to their respective districts.

“I am lucky enough to have multiple schools in my district with dual language instruction, and when I have toured there, there is always an excited, almost magical energy that the kids and teachers bring to their classes,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “From the art and projects they show off featuring multiple languages, to their rapid-fire conversations jumping between them, it is impressive and awe-inspiring that at such an early age, these young people are learning so much about language and culture. These programs are vital to the curiosity of our children, and for encouraging open-mindedness toward other cultures, and this measure will further incentivize their investment across all corners of the state.”