SPRINGFIELD – To ensure a fairer justice system,  State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) spearheaded a measure to allow a person in the state justice system and their attorney to efficiently access a comprehensive record of vital information needed for a person's legal defense. The measure was signed into law last week.

“Access to a master file is critical for incarcerated people who are applying for clemency or other legal processes,” Pacione-Zayas said. “From allowing people to check their information for accuracy, to giving them a jumpstart on putting together a resume or legal argument, the master file is an important asset to those involved in our justice system.”

The new law will allow people committed to Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to request one summary of their master record file a year. Additionally, it would allow an incarcerated person’s attorney to request an additional summary of the master file annually.

The summary must be made available within 15 days of the request and must include the person’s name and identifying information, all digitally available information from the committing court, information on the person’s criminal history and more. Additionally, the incarcerated person can request available records on specific disciplinary incidents and grievances filed by them throughout their time committed.

"Incarcerated people deserve basic access to the records of their stay in prison," said State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago), House sponsor of the legislation. "This law will help people prepare legal arguments, write resumes, and return home ready to contribute to their communities."

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy’s (D—Des Plaines) initiative to allow more health care workers to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines was signed into law Friday.

“Vaccines protect us from illnesses, like the flu and COVID-19, and are essential to maintaining public health,” Murphy said. “This law will allow more types of health care providers to administer vaccines—making sure more people can get vaccinated sooner if they choose.”

To ensure more people can get vaccinated at a timely rate, Murphy’s law authorizes optometrists—doctors specializing in eye care—to administer vaccines to patients 17 years or older. Optometrists who wish to distribute these vaccines will be required to complete four hours of approved education and be certified in basic life support.

“Many health care providers are certified to give vaccines already,” Murphy said. “With additional training, these providers should be able to administer vaccines to make sure people can get vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible and make sure everyone in our community remains healthy.” 

HB 4929 was signed into law last Friday, May 13. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

CHICAGO – State Senator Celina Villanueva advocated for teacher wellness by supporting a law allowing teachers to take mental health days.

“Our teachers’ service to our students is ongoing both inside and outside the classroom,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Now that our society has recognized the importance of mental health and allows our students to be excused, the same care should be given to our educators.”

Under the new law, school districts in areas with fewer than 500,000 residents are required to include mental health absences as part of the sick days made available to full-time employees. Senator Villanueva prioritizes supporting teachers and has worked in the legislature to ensure their lasting influence on the state’s youth is celebrated and can continue.

“The people that educate and oversee our children are under intense pressure to guide future generations of community members, activists and more,” Villanueva said. “It is especially important that our instructors’ performance and ability not be affected by the challenges brought on by such a tumultuous world.”

The law, previously Senate Bill 3914, was signed into law Friday.

PEORIA – Students across Illinois are guaranteed a plant-based lunch option at school under legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Students may have dietary needs rooted in in religious, health-related or other, personal, reasons,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a nutritious, plant-based option, we can satisfy those requirements and ensure all students are able to take full advantage of what may be the only meal they can depend on that day.”

SPRINGFIELD – Those without health insurance will receive information on available state health insurance with a check of a box thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that was signed on Friday.

 “This will allow every resident to figure out their health care options and see if they are qualified for state health insurance by simply checking a box on a form,” Stadelman said. “We can provide lifesaving information to those who are struggling and may not know how to get covered.”

Sims champions law after death of Jelani Day

SPRINGFIELD — When Illinois State University student Jelani Day went missing, it took two weeks to find his body and another three weeks to identify his remains. This led State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) to champion a law signed Friday to allow county coroners and medical examiners to receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett to help former foster children get in contact with their former families was signed into law Friday.

“Youth in the foster care system often become very close with their foster families before they are adopted,” said Bennett (D-Champaign), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “These kids deserve access to the family that cared for them as they transition to a new family.”

CHICAGO– State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) led the General Assembly to pass a measure that was signed into law by the governor Wednesday banning the creation, sale and distribution of unserialized firearms to address the growing dangers of ghost guns and gun violence.

“Despite the adversity I faced to push this legislation through the General Assembly, I am extremely pleased to see the implementation of such instrumental legislation,” Collins said. “This new law will help protect our communities in all corners of the state, all of which can be subject to gun violence.”

Technology developments have encouraged the spread of assemble-to-shoot firearms, which pose extreme dangers to public safety. Ghost guns lack serialization and are able to skirt police investigations because of it, making their presence in communities a great threat to Illinois residents and businesses.

Though President Joe Biden has enacted a national policy that cracks down on the manufacturers of ghost guns, the language presented by Senator Collins will phase out these weapons by ensuring even individual possessors and distributors of ghost guns are held accountable to the law. This law will especially help Illinois’ vulnerable populations such as communities of color and low-income families, who often see higher rates of armed violence.

“Firearms are the most non-discriminating form of weaponry in our communities because their impact is not driven by race, status or background,” Collins said. “With the help of Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and State Representative Kam Buckner, I was able to create and push a policy that will have lasting positive effects on the people who call this state home.”

Having taken effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, the new law requires every existing ghost gun to be serialized and imposes penalties for violations.