SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford passed a measure expanding the Whole Child Task Force, improving trauma-responsive practices in Illinois schools.

“Since the pandemic, the number of students who have experienced childhood trauma has increased drastically,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Our school administrators and teachers need preparation and support to better address student trauma.”

The Whole Child Task Force establishes an equitable, safe, inclusive and supportive environment in all schools for students dealing with trauma and mental health issues. The task force collects data on adverse childhood experiences and trauma, as well as the total number of school counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists in Illinois schools.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure that recognizes the impact of the opioid crisis on children and families across Illinois through the Senate on Friday.

“The opioid crisis has taken thousands of Illinois residents’ lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “It’s time we shine a light on the impact it has left on children and families. We need to prioritize support programs that can bring real, valuable solutions to these problems.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure to honor James L. Easterly’s accomplishments and dedication to the state by designating an Illinois Department of Transportation building in his name.

“This is one way for me to honor Mr. Easterly’s mentorship and friendship to Illinois,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “He dedicated his career to public service and to build a better Illinois. I’m honored to carry this measure that honors a true leader for our state and the transportation industry.”

House Joint Resolution 22 designates the Illinois Department of Transportation’s District 6 Headquarters in Springfield as the "James L. Easterly Building." Easterly's accomplishments have made a lasting impression on IDOT and the state.

SPRINGFIELD – To help returning citizens reintegrate successfully into their communities and reduce recidivism, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation out of the House on May 17.

“Returning citizens deserve the same rights and opportunities of every other individual,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Regardless of past mistakes or decisions, everyone deserves a second chance to establish stability in their life and take care of basic human needs, such as finding gainful employment, housing and health care before owing fees from prior criminal proceedings.”

SPRINGFIELD – To increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists following a fatal cyclist accident in the 7th District, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced multiple measures out of both chambers.

“People using alternative forms of transportation, whether it’s children going for a bike ride with friends or an employee biking to work to save on gas, should know they are just as safe and secure as those traveling by car,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Requiring crossing signs on bike trails and roadways is a common-sense action we can take to keep everyone safer.”

Senate Bill 1710 expands the responsibility of any entity that owns a bike trail, requiring them to erect permanent signs along the path warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 250 feet before the crossing. Simmons brought forth this measure after a cyclist on a bike trail was hit by a car when crossing a busy street. The intent of this bill is to ensure cyclists on a trail have ample warning to know when to slow down and stop before a busy intersection. 

Senate Bill 2014 requires the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a policy which ensures the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on roadways in Illinois. The policy will require that improvements — such as high-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters — are made during routine maintenance and within 500 feet of the maintenance work to any state roads located within a municipality.

“Biking along a path or road can be stressful enough when worrying about oncoming cars, especially for parents biking with their children,” Simmons said. “These initiatives will help ensure bike and pedestrian safety improvements are completed in tandem with routine work such as pothole or street lighting repairs.”

Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 1710 and Senate Bill 2014 will be sent to the governor for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation may soon be required to collect and publish an annual report on the racial and ethnic makeup of applicants denied licensure, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that passed the Senate on Friday.

“People of color often choose to start their own businesses as a means of upward financial and social mobility,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Insuring they are effectively supported while seeking licensure will prevent the denial of applications and lay the groundwork for these businesses to be successful.”

Under current law, IDFPR doesn't collect this type of data in licensure applications. Peters’ measure would require the Department to request and report information regarding applicants’ ethnicity, race, sex and disability.

Paint Stewardship Act passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Many homeowners have something lurking in their basement or garage that could be disposed of, but there hasn’t been a means to get rid of it safely: unused household paint. Legislation sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes that would establish a program to dispose of household paint passed the Senate on Friday.

The Paint Stewardship Act in Senate Bill 836 creates a means for consumers to dispose of household paint in Illinois. No state resources are in place today to deal with this waste. Under this law, manufacturers of architectural paint will create and submit a plan to the Illinois EPA to establish the program.

SPRINGFIELD – With bipartisan support, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus passed measures to combat the growing online harassment that stems from both deepfakes and doxing.

During a press conference Friday, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus discussed how these bills will protect Illinoisans in all corners of the state.

“Deepfakes are a way to deploy gender-based violence, harnessing artificial intelligence to exploit, humiliate and harass through the age-old tactic of stripping women of sexual autonomy and to silence innocent women,” said State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “Despite the rise of deepfakes, until House Bill 2123 there were no consequences for bad actors.”