SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham, who has been deeply involved in negotiations on a piece of legislation meant to spark Illinois’ renewable energy sector and preserve and create tens of thousands of jobs, praised the legislation’s Senate passage.

“This plan would make Illinois a national leader in fighting climate change,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the southwest suburbs. “It also will help transition our energy workforce from fossil fuels to renewables earlier than any other state, giving those workers a distinct advantage in training and experience.”

SPRINGFIELD – Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have a less restrictive alternative to guardianship to support their daily living, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday.

“Adults with disabilities deserve the opportunity to make decisions in how they live their daily lives when possible,” Feigenholtz said. “This law helps many people with disabilities build confidence and become better self-advocates.”

CHICAGO – Felony prostitution charges, which have not existed in Illinois since 2013, will be expunged under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago).

“The fact we have stopped charging prostitution as a felony means nothing to those whose records continue to be hurt by these charges,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “I want to thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this legislation and moving us beyond a dynamic that only serves to harm sex workers and perpetuate a dangerous, exploitative environment for them.”

CHICAGO – The Northwest Home Equity Program will have the ability to provide low- or no-interest home assistance loans to homeowners struggling to make their property tax payments under a new law signed today, the result of legislation by State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago).

“We need to use every tool at our disposal to help homeowners who are at risk of default, especially in light of a historically difficult year that has affected everyone’s finances,” Pacione-Zayas said. “With this legislation, homeowners on the Northwest side will get the additional assistance they need to help pay their property taxes.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was signed into law Friday expanding the venues where home-cooked food operations may sell their products.

“Especially in light of hardships faced across the state due to the pandemic, we need to be expanding opportunities for Illinoisans to create extra income, not limiting them,” Koehler said. “If even one family is more able to make ends meet as a result of this legislation, it will have served its purpose.

Peters strengthens mental health crisis response

CHICAGO – Illinois will become the first state to provide people experiencing mental health crises with more appropriate responses thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago).

“Our goal as public servants must be to provide treatment, not trauma,” Peters said. “Trained mental health officials responding to mental health emergencies is how we provide that treatment. The alternative is how we risk furthering trauma.”

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Alex's law aims to decrease opioid overdose deaths

SPRINGFIELD – People seeking help for an individual experiencing an opioid overdose will no longer fear arrest under Alex’s Law, a new statute sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) that was recently signed into law.

“Fear of criminal charges should never result in someone not receiving the medical assistance they need,” Ellman said. “Saving lives has to be our first priority.”

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Morrison's attorney general-backed Preventing Youth Vaping Act signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A steadfast supporter of keeping tobacco out of the hands of children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is proud of a newly signed law creating the Preventing Youth Vaping Act.

“Vaping- and e-cigarette-related deaths and illnesses have become a nationwide outbreak that no user is immune to — no matter how young they are,” said Morrison. “We must continue to change the culture of smoking – especially for younger generations. The Preventing Youth Vaping Act is another step toward keeping these harmful products out of the hands of children.”

Read more.

In case you missed it

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Senator Scott Bennett, Champaign: Gov. Pritzker signs legislation providing student borrowers with critical information on educational lending options | Riverbender.com

Senators Jacqueline Y. Collins, Chicago, and Napoleon Harris III, Harvey: Illinois State Police to install license plate-reading cameras on Chicago area expressways as violence persists | Chicago Tribune

Senator Celina Villanueva, Chicago: Gov. Pritzker signs package of legislation to advance equity in higher education | WIFR 23

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SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of sexual assault will now have more privacy from the public because of a new law sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

“Sexual assault survivors deserve to withhold the details of their traumatic experience, Lightford said. “Now they will have the right to share their stories when they are ready, and no one else will be able to tell them first.”

Senate Bill 2339 clarifies that anyone seeking to inspect or copy court records relating to a child survivor of sexual crimes must get a court order, with reasonable exceptions for people who play a legitimate role in the judicial process. The law, which is supported by the circuit court of Cook County, closes a loophole that prevents them from excluding identities when releasing certain court records.

SPRINGFIELD – Citing safety concerns from the Wood River community following an unexpected power plant demolition, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) created a new law requiring any property owner planning to demolish a power plant to notify surrounding communities. 

“Communities need to be aware of any environmental or safety concerns happening in close proximity,” Crowe said. “By requiring companies to notify residents of power plant demolitions, we can help families prepare themselves.”

Earlier this year, Wood River and East Alton residents were alarmed when they heard explosions from the decommissioned Wood River Power Station without warning.