SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters supported a measure to allow justice-impacted individuals to legally change their names, which passed out of the Senate Tuesday.

“There are a million reasons why someone could have been impacted by the justice system, and sometimes you find their only crime was trying to survive,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Sometimes, people need a new identity for their safety, and for their ability to truly lead a good life. This legislation would be an aid in those scenarios.”

House Bill 2542 allows individuals on various criminal registries to file for a name change if the change is sought for the reasons of marriage, transgender identity, religious beliefs, or status as a victim of trafficking.

In particular, many transgender people and victims of human trafficking have crimes of survival in their backgrounds, and need to be able to change their names in order to move on with their lives.

“This legislation is important because it could save someone’s life, or help them move on from a past that wasn’t kind to them,” Peters said. “Further, this could help affirm someone’s chosen gender. It’s necessary that we allow people with justice-impacted backgrounds to change their name.”

House Bill 2542 now awaits consideration from the governor.

SPRINGFIELD – With a looming power shortage on the grid, Illinois received a major boost to its renewable energy sector thanks to a bill sponsored by State Senator Bill Cunningham.

“There is an energy shortage in Illinois right now, and it is causing uncertainty, which causes prices to spike and potentially future brownouts,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help solve that problem by expanding renewable energy opportunities.”

SPRINGFIELD – Following 20 years of service in the Illinois Senate, Assistant Majority Leader Jacqueline Y. Collins retired her seat at the end of her seventh term in office.

“It has been my honor to fight in the Illinois Senate for policies that reduce inequality, expand opportunities and strengthen our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Looking back, I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together to take on the status quo, stand up to corporate interests and reform oppressive systems.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the Senate passed a comprehensive bill protecting the rights of Illinoisans to receive reproductive and gender affirming health care:

“The Supreme Court sent a clear message when overturning Roe v. Wade that it is willing to ignore precedent and roll back previously granted rights.

“In Illinois, we trust women, and we will protect their right to make their own decisions about their health care and their bodies.

“The legislation passed today solidifies our state against current and future attacks from those looking to roll back the clock and reverse progress.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva, who has diligently fought for the equality and protection of reproductive and gender rights, led a measure passed Tuesday that further explores the importance of Illinois residents having access to such rights.

“As a legislator who serves communities that face many disparities and challenges based off of their ethnicity and gender, I have seen firsthand the effects discrimination in health care play in a person’s mental, physical, social and economic status,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). ”Today we have further enshrined people’s rights to health care and their right to determine their destinies.”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed historic legislation today that bans the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

“After continued negotiations between the leaders, stakeholders and advocates, we have reached a deal on one of the strongest assault weapons bans in the country,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “Gun violence is an epidemic that is plaguing every corner of this state and the people of Illinois are demanding substantive action. With this legislation we are delivering on the promises Democrats have made and, together, we are making Illinois’ gun laws a model for the nation.”

SPRINGFIELD – To support small businesses, State Senator Christopher Belt championed a measure through the Senate that would expand liquor delivery services across Illinois.

“Bars and restaurants stimulate our local economies and are the heart of our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Allowing liquor delivery services across the state benefits businesses and residents by increasing access and sales. We are working to lessen the burden businesses face by increasing the accessibility for revenue.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas is proud to support a new law making it easier for people to change their gender on their birth certificate, as well as waiving fees for people in certain groups to order a new birth certificate.

“This law will be life-saving for many transgender and nonbinary people in our state, who will now be able to live more fully as themselves,” said Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago). “I am so proud to be a part of this fight for equality, and that our transgender siblings will be able to change their documentation more quickly and without risking their safety.”