SPRINGFIELD – Two measures proposed by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to increase transparency for mobile home buyers and improve conditions in mobile home parks have been sponsored in the House.

“Financial transparency and access to clean water are foundational rights that should be afforded to any homeowner,” Murphy said. “I’m proud to see this legislation being picked up in the House, bringing us one step closer to making these initiatives a reality.”

A loan for a mobile home located in a mobile home park is different from a mortgage: Mobile homes are assessed and taxed as personal property rather than real estate, interest rates are often much higher than those for typical home loans, and refinancing options are limited. To ensure residents are well informed when purchasing a mobile home, Senate Bill 1779 would require lenders to disclose these differences to prospective mobile home buyers.

Murphy has also introduced Senate Bill 1780, which calls for the owner of a mobile home park to provide water to residents if the normal water supply has been disrupted for more than three days, unless the disruption is due to circumstances beyond the owner’s control. Murphy was inspired to introduce the legislation after a weeklong water shortage in 2019 at the Blackhawk Estates mobile home park in unincorporated Des Plaines, which left residents unable to shower, do laundry or wash dishes.

“Every resident deserves to be able to rely on safe living conditions and to know where they stand financially,” Murphy said. “These measures ensure mobile home owners are protected just like any Illinois homeowner.”

Senate Bills 1779 and 1780 have been sponsored in the House by State Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines).

SPRINGFIELD – The final pillar of the Legislative Black Caucus plan to eradicate systemic racism, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was signed into law Tuesday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the systemic economic, educational and health disparities that have historically plagued African Americans across our country. For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care, starting with the abuse of the enslaved,” Hunter said. “To prevent future harm to one of our most vulnerable populations, we have enacted this informed policy, with the goal of deep, intense reform.”

SPRINGFIELD – The work of Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and an Electronic Notarization Task Force produced a report detailing the benefits for Illinoisans that was provided to the governor and General Assembly, and its findings led to a measure sponsored by Holmes and passed by the Illinois Senate.

Senate Bill 2664 will set the standards for appointment as an electronic notary, creates definitions for electronic notarization; codifies best practices of the National Association of Notaries for electronic notarization; and implements safeguards to ensure the integrity of the technology and the process of electronic notarization.

“I was convinced this was a step to update a process many people use but sometimes can’t find a notary nearby; over the past year, the need for a convenient, protected method for notarization for businesses and consumers became even more obvious,” Holmes said. “I’m pleased that Speaker Chris Welch has picked up this bill as chief sponsor in the House.”

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has moved a measure through the Senate to allow tenants to keep at least two common household pets, 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.”

Senate Bill 154 would prevent landlords from enacting policies that prohibit pets of a specific breed, size or weight, addressing a problem for many renters who face giving away or surrendering a pet to a shelter if they must move. The legislation applies to units funded under the Illinois Housing Development Authority Trust Fund.

In Illinois, pre-pandemic data show that up to 38% of the dogs and cats surrendered to Illinois animal shelters are surrendered simply because of housing issues. In 2019, 147,000 dogs and cats entered shelters in Illinois and 11,400 were killed. These surrenders put a burden on shelters that are already full and in need of resources.

Landlords would still be allowed to enforce policies related to sanitation, vaccination and registration of tenants’ pets under Holmes’ proposal. SB 154 also says a housing provider won’t be liable for injuries caused by a tenant's pet, except in cases of willful and wanton misconduct.

This legislation does not limit or affect other laws that require accommodations for persons with disabilities who maintain an animal for assistance, service or support.

Senate Bill 154 will now go to the House for their consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) passed her first piece of legislation out of the Illinois State Senate Thursday, April 22, in an effort to allow Capital Township residents the right to vote for their own officials.

“This legislation speaks solely to representation,” said Sen. Turner. “This bill addresses an electorate’s right to choose their own representatives. Under state law, the current Sangamon County Clerk and Treasurer are automatically officers of Capital Township, and that’s not fair. That is akin to the voters of Naperville voting for the officers of Cook County. This bill would allow that only the voters of Capital Township elect Capital Township officers.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To help promote the preservation of historic properties throughout the state, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed a measure to encourage people who own historic structures to preserve and rehabilitate their properties.

“Revitalizing historic buildings can do so much for local businesses, from creating jobs to making an area more aesthetically pleasing,” Castro said. “This legislation will help encourage communities to put work into their old buildings to help preserve their history.” 

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) recently honored nearly 600 Lake County high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“Our community is beyond fortunate to have so many bright and hardworking students in our classrooms,” Johnson said. “Even in the face of so many unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, these students remained dedicated to success. I am thrilled to see them recognized on the state level for their perseverance.”

The Scholars from the 30^th District include 597 students from six area high schools, including Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Carmel High School, Cristo Rey St. Martin High School, Mundelein High School, Vernon Hills High School and Waukegan High School.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is not only a testament to a student’s academic abilities, but to their work ethic and commitment to excellence,” Johnson said. “I want to thank each and every one of these students for making their families and communities proud.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) recently honored 133 Champaign-area high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“I am incredibly proud of these students from our community who earned this prestigious award,” Bennett said. “It reflects not only on the hard work of these students, but also shows their dedication to continued achievement despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a tribute to the effort of these students, their families, and their high school teachers and administrators.”

The Scholars from the Champaign area include students from six area high schools, including Champaign Centennial, Champaign Central, Judah Christian, Rantoul Township, Saint Thomas More, and Urbana high schools.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“The college admission process and qualifying for financial assistance is always competitive, and this Illinois State Scholar recognition rewards students for their hard work by giving them an advantage in attending and affording the college of their choice,” Bennett said.

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.