SPRINGFIELD – Illinois students will now have access to more educational resources and broader opportunities thanks to two laws championed by State Senator Mike Halpin. 

“Through these new laws, students will be equipped with opportunities that suit their individual interests and aspirations,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By breaking down traditional barriers and expanding access to student directory information, we can enable students to explore a broader range of educational options, which will help keep students in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is making amusement rides and attractions safer for families, thanks to a new law that will require amusement parks to have at least one staff member qualified to administer CPR.

“This law will enhance safety standards and ensure the well-being of visitors at amusement parks statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that we acknowledge the need for effective emergency response in high-risk environments and that we implement policies that will ensure the safety of our community members and state visitors.”

SPRINGFIELD – Motorcyclists will no longer have to complete a duplicate driver’s test with the Secretary of State under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“This initiative eases the process for motorcyclists to get their license without taking repetitive, unnecessary tests,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We aren’t lessening requirements for drivers. We are getting rid of a redundant process.”

The new law removes the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Previously, 16 to 17 year old motorcyclists were required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

“Young motorcyclists will be able to enjoy the natural resources Illinois offers without being burdened by duplicate tests,” said Turner.

House Bill 2582 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law championed by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, more adoptees will be able to obtain post-adoption information related to their birth and placement.

“This legislation addresses the barriers adoptees face when seeking information about their histories – especially those whose adoption agency has closed,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “With this fix, more people will be able to learn critical medical and biographical information about their lives.”

Feigenholtz’s legislation adds new language to the Adoption Act to clarify that a confidential intermediary, on behalf of an adoptee or their family, can request access to non-identifying records from closed child welfare agencies that are housed in Central State Storage. Currently, in cases where the adoption agency that oversaw placement has closed or merged with another agency, records are housed in state repository, leading to barriers for adoptees seeking historical and medical information about themselves.

As an adopted adult herself, Senator Feigenholtz has worked to assure that the practice of adoption in Illinois strives to be the gold standard for adoptive parents, biological parents and adoptees. Feigenholtz has been the voice of adopted adults who desire information about their beginnings and health care information. She passed the original birth certificate access law that provided adult adopted persons access to their original birth certificates.

Senate Bill 2134 was signed by the governor on Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – Employees working on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits from the state of Illinois will be paid the prevailing wage under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“During my time in the Senate, I have been an outspoken advocate for fair wages and wage equality in Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting fair wages for employees working on solar projects ensures workers – not just developers – benefit from clean energy incentives and opportunities.”

Under the new law, developers who apply to the Illinois Solar for All program are required to pay the prevailing wage on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits. The law provides exemptions for residential buildings and small projects on houses of worship.

SPRINGFIELD – Violent threats against schools are becoming all too common, leading State Senator Julie Morrison to champion a newly signed law to require rapid entry protocol for law enforcement and first responders, including the threat of firearms.

“Our first responders must be equipped and trained to handle any emergency situation – especially within schools,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “School shootings are sadly happening at record rates – we must be prepared in case tragedy strikes.”

Morrison’s House Bill 3559 requires schools’ emergency and crisis response plans to include procedures for local law enforcement to rapidly enter the school building in the event of an emergency.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July weekend! From family picnics to big firework shows, I hope you have a fun and safe time celebrating.

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the holiday with friends and family at a local firework show or festival. For a list of fireworks displays across the state, click here.

Remember: Stay safe this weekend. Plan on how you’ll get home from festivities and follow firework safety tips.

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

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SPRINGFIELD – State employees will now be able to take time off for firefighter training thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“There are many communities in the state that rely on volunteer firefighters,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “If we continue to see a shortage in the number of volunteer firefighters, we are leaving these communities extremely vulnerable and without the immediate assistance they need.”

Fire departments across the state have faced a shortage of new recruits and volunteer firefighters in recent years. The new law aims to combat these shortages to give people the opportunity to undergo firefighter training courses by creating the Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act. This will allow state employees to take a leave from their job to attend firefighter training.