SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a new law to update standards for nonwoven disposable wipes that can damage sewer systems when improperly disposed through being flushed down toilets.

“Non-flushable wipes that are improperly disposed of cause millions of dollars of damage to our sewer systems every year,” Castro said. “The law will help clear up confusion that consumers might have about what kind of products can and cannot be flushed, which will help protect our systems.”

SPRINGFIELD – Presently, homeowners’ insurance policies are allowed to place limitations based on discrimination against certain dog breeds or mixes. Discrimination in all forms is suspect, and Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) bill to restrict this practice was signed by the governor Friday.

“When you have a dog and need to move, it can be difficult to find a place that may allow your breed of dog,” Holmes said. “Humane organizations have been fighting these breed stereotypes for years, and this moves the ball forward to make pet ownership and housing more compatible.”

SPRINGFIELD – Public school teachers and employees who are about to become new parents will have greater flexibility on how they can use their sick time for parental leave as part of a new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago).

“In 2021 families are formed in their own unique ways. Teachers and employees who have earned sick time should have flexibility in how and when they use this earned time” Feigenholtz said. “Many new families today, especially LGBTQ+ and single-parent families, function differently than when these laws were written. Every family is unique and deserves the right to decide how to use their sick time in the way that best suits them.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure was signed by the governor Friday. It will allow tenants to keep two cats or a dog, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their residence.

“Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students with learning disabilities who historically would have been sent to out-of-state schools will now have the opportunity of gaining an in-state education thanks to a plan backed by State Senator Doris Turner’s (D-Springfield)

“We have a responsibility as a state to protect our most vulnerable residents,” Turner said. “This duty means protecting our students and putting their needs first. I hope this law meets the needs of every student in this state while ensuring them a safe learning environment.”

CHICAGO – The final pieces of a legislative package aimed at fighting human trafficking will become law today after Gov. JB Pritzker signed three key measures sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago). Collins’ plan comprises House Bill 588 and Senate Bills 1599 and 1600.

Collins is particularly concerned about the issue because a disproportionate number of the missing people in the United States are Black. According to the National Crime Information Center, there were 609,275 missing people in the U.S. in 2019. Nearly 34% of that number – 205,802 – were Black. 

SPRINGFIELD – A new law co-sponsored by State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) requires state agencies and institutions to purchase only American and Illinois flags that have been manufactured in the U.S.

“As prominent symbols of respect for our state and country, Illinois and American flags demonstrate a special meaning while on display at government institutions,” Crowe said. “By requiring agencies to purchase locally manufactured flags, our state can express its appreciation for labor and working families while showing our patriotism.”

The legislation would change the Flag Display Act to no longer allow state institutions and agencies to purchase American and Illinois flags from manufacturers outside of the U.S. Under the Flag Display Act, flags are designated to be necessary supplies for institution and agency budgets.

“To prioritize quality, new flags are regularly purchased,” Crowe said. “By supporting local products, Illinois is working to ensure jobs stay within our country.”

The law, originally House Bill 605, was signed by the governor and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – Residents who struggle to pay water and sewer bills will have additional financial assistance coming, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law today.

“Utility providers will now have the opportunity to opt in to a financial assistance program,” Belt said. “This will help lessen the financial burden that low-income customers face when they cannot afford their monthly utility bills.”