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.”

SPRINGFIELD – In memory of many friends and loved ones who have succumbed to the disease, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored a law to encourage early detection and improve outcomes by expanding access to pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer can be deadly, but early detection makes a significant difference for patients’ length of survival and quality of life,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to have sponsored this law to make screening accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure requires all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings.

SPRINGFIELD – More survivors of violent crime will be able to keep their home addresses private as participants in the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program under a new law by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) that expands protections for survivors of human trafficking.

“Violent crime survivors undergo substantial emotional and mental trauma,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By adding human trafficking to the list of crimes protected by the ACP, we’re offering survivors some peace of mind that their sensitive personal information is safe and protected against abusers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Parents can now enjoy the peace of mind that videos of their students at school won’t be shared with unauthorized parties under a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) removing the video recording requirement from the Illinois edTPA teacher licensing assessment.

“In order to gain a teaching license, educators in training have been forced to put kids’ privacy—and in some cases, their safety—at risk,” Murphy said. “With new cybersecurity threats being discovered every day, this law ensures our students are protected.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) led an initiative that would extend the student-assistance contribution tax credit, which was signed into law Friday. 

“As college prices continue to rise, it is crucial that some incentives or financial relief are provided when possible,” Hunter said. “Children who have a savings account are more likely to go to college, so it is important to encourage planning early.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and State Representative Dave Vella requires state agencies and institutions to only purchase American and Illinois flags manufactured in the United States.

“There’s no reason for us to be flying American and Illinois flags made in other countries,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting local manufacturing and business economies at the same time.”