Dear Friends,

To celebrate Earth Day, please join me in participating in the citywide Clean and Green events on Saturday, April 21. Neighbors are gathering throughout the district to lead cleanup and beautification efforts.

Residents of the 48th Ward are meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at the 48th Ward Sanitation Yard, 5853 N. Broadway. Following the cleanup efforts, Alderman Harry Osterman will host a celebratory lunch. For more information or to register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Residents of the 40th, 46th, 47th and other wards throughout the city who are interested in participating in a clean and green volunteer project should visit www.cityofchicago.org/dss to register.

Residents of the 49th Ward are invited to participate in Alderman Joe Moore’s Clean and Green event Saturday, May 5. Interested volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. May 5 at the 49th Ward Service Office, 7356 N. Greenview. After we clean Rogers Park, there will be a Taste of the 49th Ward buffet. Please contact Alderman Moore’s office with any questions at 773-338-5796 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I hope you will be able to join me in cleaning up our community this weekend. Please see the flyers below for additional information.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 or reach out online with any questions or concerns. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on my legislation and what’s happening in the district.

Sincerely,

Senator Heather Steans
7th District – Illinois

Apply for an Edgewater Beautification Grant

Grants are available to support beautification projects in Edgewater from now until June 1. See the flyer below for more details.

Parent University at Sullivan High School

Volunteer Opportunities Showcase April 26

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, last week the Senate voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (SJRCA 4) which I sponsored. Illinois is one step closer to becoming the 37th state to ratify this amendment. In order to ensure it passes the House, I encourage you to reach out to your local representatives and ask for their support and co-sponsorship of this important legislation. Rep. Cassidy and Rep. Greg Harris, have already signed on as co-sponsors.

Now that the deadline has passed for Senate Bills to move out of committee, these hearings will increasingly focus on House Bills. Some Senate Bills that did not pass last week received a deadline extension. In addition to hearing those bills, there are also several subject matter hearings scheduled this week.

I have included a list of noteworthy bills that will be heard in committee this week as well as the schedule below.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 or reach out online with any questions or concerns. You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on my legislation and what’s happening in the district.

Sincerely,

Senator Heather Steans
7th District – Illinois

Noteworthy bills in committee this week

Civil law and consumer protection issues

• Biometrics - SB 3053 allows businesses to use biometrics for time keeping purposes as long as the business does not share that data.
    o Sponsor: Senator Bill Cunningham
    o Committee: Senate Telecommunications and Information Technology

• State caps – SB 2481 removes the $100,000 limit on awards in tort cases for all claims against the state.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Hastings
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Price transparency – SB 2953 requires automotive repair facilities to post the hourly charge for labor, charges and conditions for storage, prices for commonly used repair parts, and the charge for diagnosing a malfunctioning vehicle.
     o Sponsor: Senator Tom Cullerton
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Data breach – SB 3007 requires data collectors to report large data breaches to the attorney general’s office.
     o Sponsor: Senator Kwame Raoul
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

Criminal law issues

• Legal immunity – SB 2294 provides legal immunity to individuals who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to save a child or animal they perceive to be in danger.
     o Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

• Stalking – SB 2288 allows courts to recommend or require individuals in stalking no contact or civil no contact cases to go through counseling.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jil Tracy
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

Education

• Pension cost shift – SB 2517 requires school districts, instead of the state, to pay the benefit cost of teacher raises after 2019.
     o Sponsor: Senator Dan McConchie
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

• Preschool teachers – SB 1829 creates an alternative certification process for preschool teachers teaching somewhere besides a public school.
     o Sponsor: Senator Toi Hutchinson
     o Committee: Senate Education

• PE requirements – SB 2572 requires elementary students to receive at least 150 minutes of physical education each week and high school students to receive a minimum of 225 minutes of physical education. Also states that a sports waiver for physical education can only be in effect for up to two years and cannot be renewed more than twice.
     o Sponsor: Senator Linda Holmes
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Shared resources – SB 3418 provides that a school board may enter into a joint agreement with other school boards to share the services of a superintendent or administrators.
     o Sponsor: Senator Sue Rezin
     o Committee: Senate Education

• School bus drivers – SB 3003 allows individuals from Mexico who provide appropriate documentation from their former state of residence and meet other permitting requirements to be issued a school bus driver permit.
     o Sponsor: Senator Martin Sandoval
     o Committee: Senate Transportation

Election issues

• Fair maps – Under SJRCA 26, Illinois’ legislative boundaries would be drawn by a commission appointed by members of the Illinois Supreme Court rather than the General Assembly or governor.
     o Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
     o Committee: Senate Executive Subcommittee on Special Issues

Environmental issues

• Solar state contracts – SB 3533 allows state purchasing officers to enter into renewable energy resource contracts and leases that do not exceed 15 years. This is designed to facilitate solar projects statewide.
     o Sponsor: Senator Pam Althoff
     o Committee: Senate State Government

Human service issues

• Tuition waiver – SB 2846 provides that certain youth would receive a tuition waiver ay any public community college or university. This applies to youth who the Department has court-ordered legal responsibility for, have aged out of care at age 18 or older, were formerly under care and were the subject of an adoption assistance agreement, or were the subject of a subsidized guardianship agreement.
     o Sponsor: Senator Cristina Castro
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Quarterly reporting – SB 3075 requires the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections to submit a quarterly report regarding workplace assaults on staff.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Hastings
     o Committee: Human Services

Labor issues

• Worker’s compensation insurance – SB 2973 creates an independent, nonprofit insurance company for worker’s compensation liability.
     o Sponsor: Senator Daniel Biss
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

Pension issues

• Benefits for CPD officers – SB 2525 compounds the 3 percent pension benefit increase for retired Chicago Police Department officers who have reached age 75.
     o Sponsor: Senator Bill Cunningham
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

• Alternative annuity – SB 2607 lowers the minimum age at which Tier 2 state police officers are eligible for the alternative annuity under the State Employee Retirement System from 60 to 50.
     o Sponsor: Senator John G. Mulroe
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

• Annual increases – SB 3154 removes the date of birth requirement for the Chicago Fire Fighter Pension 3 percent annual annuity increase.
     o Sponsor: Senator Bill Cunningham
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

• Pensions for private schools – Under SB 3181, members of the Teachers Retirement System may establish credit for up to two years of service as a teacher or administrator in a private school that is recognized by the Illinois Board of Education.
     o Sponsor: Senator Paul Schimpf
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

Public safety issues

• Assault weapons – SB 2314 allows municipalities to regulate assault weapons.
     o Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Bump-stock ban – SB 2247 bans importing, selling, manufacturing, transferring and possessing a bump-stock.
     o Sponsor: Senator Chris Nybo
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Drones – SB 2562 allows law enforcement to use drones to prepare for or monitor safety at large events.
     o Sponsor: Senator Martin Sandoval
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

State government issues

• Sexual harassment policies – SB 405 requires companies that make a bid under the state’s procurement code to have a sexual harassment policy in place. Under SB 405, companies that claim EDGE credits would also be required to include their sexual harassment policy in their annual state report.
     o Sponsor: Senator Toi Hutchinson
     o Committee: Senate State Government

• Elections – SB 2299 provides that a person elected to a township position cannot be employed by the township in any other capacity other than their elected position.
     o Sponsor: Senator Dave Syverson
     o Committee: Senate Local Government

• Storm shelter – SB 2458 requires mobile home parks to include a storm shelter.
     o Sponsor: Senator Ira Silverstein
     o Committee: Senate Local Government

• Suspending grant payments – SB 2540 requires the Comptroller and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget to establish a system to suspend grant payments.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jason Barickman
     o Committee: Senate Government Reform

Transportation issues

• Design build – SB 3002 authorizes the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Tollway to use the design-build and construction manager-general contractor delivery method of source selection for highway construction projects.
     o Sponsor: Senator Martin Sandoval
     o Committee: Senate Transportation

Committee schedule for Tuesday, April 17

• Senate Appropriations I Committee | 9 a.m., Room 212
Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the following agencies: Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission.
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Education Committee | 3 p.m., Room 212
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Judiciary Committee | 4 p.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Human Services Committee | 4 p.m., Room 409
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Transportation Committee | 5 p.m., Room 212
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee | 5:30 p.m., Room 400
Subject matter hearing on carbon pricing
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

Committee schedule for Wednesday, April 18

• Senate Appropriations I Committee | 8 a.m., Room 400
Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the following agencies: Department on Aging, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission, Council on Developmental Disabilities, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Corner Training Board, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Local Government Committee | 9 a.m., Room 409
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Government Reform Committee | 10 a.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Environment and Conservation Committee | 10:30 a.m., Room 409
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Telecommunications and Information Technology Committee | 10:30 a.m., Room 212
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate State Government Committee | 3 p.m., Room 409
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee | 3 p.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Executive Subcommittee on Special Issues | 3 p.m., Room 212
Subject matter hearing on SJRCA 26
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Insurance Committee | 4:30 p.m., Room 400
Subject matter hearing on SB 3213
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Criminal Law Committee | 5:15 p.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

Committee schedule for Thursday, April 19

• Senate Agriculture Committee | 8 a.m., Room 409
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Appropriations II Committee | 9 a.m., Room 212
Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the following agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency/Pollution Control Board, Illinois Principals Association, Drycleaners, Illinois State Police Merit Board, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard Board, Supreme Court, Illinois Commerce Commission, and Illinois State Police.
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee | 9:30 a.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Executive Appointments Committee | 11 a.m., Room 400
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

• Senate Veterans Affairs Committee | 3 p.m., Room 212
Subject matter hearing on the Quincy Veterans Home capital needs assessment
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

Committee schedule for Friday, April 20

• Senate Public Health Committee | 10 a.m., 1103 Malcolm X College, Chicago
Subject matter hearing on community safety record keeping
To see submitted witness slips for this committee and submit your own, click here.

Dear Friends,

The Illinois State Senate took a historic vote yesterday in support of my bill to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment and solidify equal rights for all. I am pleased to inform you that Illinois is one step closer to becoming the 37th state to ratify the amendment.

Women across the nation are rising up and pushing back against laws and policies that deny our equality. By voting to ratify the ERA, Illinois lawmakers are saying to women everywhere, ‘We hear you, and we stand with you.’

The Equal Rights Amendment, SJRCA 4, declares that equality of rights will not be denied by the United States or any state on account of sex. It initially was introduced in Congress in 1923 and was sent to the states for ratification 46 years ago.

It may come as a surprise, but women have no guaranteed equal rights under the U.S. Constitution. Several advancements for women’s rights, such as the Equal Pay Act and Title IX, could be repealed by a majority vote in Congress. The executive branch also could reduce enforcement of these acts.

The bottom line is women’s rights are in jeopardy as long as our equality is not cemented in the Constitution.

This is not the first time I have sponsored this legislation, or the first time Illinois has considered ratifying it. Since 1972, both chambers have voted on this legislation multiple times but have never achieved the three-fifths majority in both chambers necessary for ratification. Decades of widespread misinformation have hindered Illinois’ ability to ratify the amendment.

Opposition has argued that the ERA would open women to being drafted and that it would hurt mothers in custody or divorce battles. The fact is the ERA would strengthen protections and legal standards for women.

Another exciting aspect of SJRCA 4 is that it is the first piece of legislation that passed the Senate with the support of the bipartisan Senate Women’s Caucus. I helped found this caucus in the fall and am proud that a measure so fundamental to many women’s issues is the first bill the caucus endorsed.

For Illinois to ratify the ERA to the U.S. Constitution, three-fifths of House members must vote in support of SJRCA 4. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) is sponsoring the legislation in the House.

I will keep you updated on what happens with this historic legislation. I hope that together we can make Illinois the 37th state to ratify the ERA.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 or reach out online with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Senator Heather Steans
7th District – Illinois

One Summer Chicago

I encourage students to apply for summer job and internship opportunities through the One Summer Chicago Program. The City of Chicago is accepting applications for more than 30,000 positions. The application deadline is May 21.

The One Summer Chicago Program will run from July 2 through Aug. 10. Job opportunities range from forestry projects to office work to infrastructure jobs. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 24. For more information and to apply, click here.

Illinois bicentennial coin competition

Calling all artists! The Illinois treasurer’s office is holding a competition to design one side of the 2918 bicentennial medallion. Designs will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and quality, among other factors. Participants must be Illinois residents and are limited to one design submission. The deadline is May 1. For more information, click here.

Keep track of what’s happening in Springfield

Keeping track of all the bills heard in Senate committees can be difficult. I started a newsletter to help you track the noteworthy bills that are scheduled to be heard in committee each week. Click here to sign up for these weekly emails during the legislative session.

These updates will give you advance notice so that you can submit a witness slip. Before a bill is heard in committee and let lawmakers know if you support or oppose the legislation. This is a vital part of the legislative process that helps me and other lawmakers make informed decisions before voting.

Dear Friends,

This Friday is the deadline for Senate bills to be voted out of committee. That means that the majority of bills will be called for a vote in committee this week, providing a prime chance to submit witness slips. For directions on how to submit a witness slip to show your support or opposition to a particular bill, click here.

I have included the committee schedule below, but expect additional hearings to be scheduled as the week progresses. Updated committee schedules will be posted on www.ilga.gov.

In addition to moving bills out of committee this week, the Senate will vote on legislation that is on third reading. I encourage you to call your State Senator or Representative to express your opinion on a bill once it is on third reading.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 773-769-1717 or reach out online with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Senator Heather Steans
7th District – Illinois

Civil law and consumer protection issues

• Sanctuary zones – SB 35 requires the Attorney General to create safe zones where immigration enforcement is limited, such as state-funded schools, state-funded health care facilities, public libraries, facilities operated by the Secretary of State and state courts.
     o Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Citizenship question – SJR 55 urges the Secretary of Commerce to reject the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to include a citizenship question in the 2020 census.
     o Sponsor: Senator Kwame Raoul
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Alimony – SB 2289 creates a new formula for calculating the amount of alimony an individual should receive. It also allows judges to deviate from support guidelines if the payments exceed 50 percent of the obligor’s income.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Hastings
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Veteran’s home damages – SB 2434 limits the $100,000 damage award cap on deaths of residents at an Illinois veteran’s home.
     o Sponsor: Senator Andy Manar
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Condo lawsuits – SB 2556 excludes attorney’s fees from the demand in certain condo lawsuits.
     o Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Condo information – SB 3165 provides that condominium associations must allow the members to decide whether to disclose personal information.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Connelly
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Court fees – SB 2590 rewrites Illinois statutes that establish court fees and fines to create a more consistent and fair assessment structure. This legislation is based on the finding and recommendations of the Statutory Court Fee Task Force.
     o Sponsor: Senator John Mulroe
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Price transparency – SB 2953 requires automotive repair facilities to post the hourly charge for labor, charges and conditions for storage, prices for commonly used repair parts, and the charge for diagnosing a malfunctioning vehicle.
     o Sponsor: Senator Tom Cullerton
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Worker’s compensation insurance – SB 2973 creates an independent, nonprofit insurance company for worker’s compensation liability.
     o Sponsor: Senator Daniel Biss
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Data breach – SB 3007 requires data collectors to report large data breaches to the attorney general’s office.
     o Sponsor: Senator Kwame Raoul
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Immigration status – SB 3103 provides that a landlord cannot require disclosure of, intimidate, harass or evict tenants on the basis of their immigration or citizenship status.
     o Sponsor: Senator Cristina Castro
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Service fees – SB 2433 caps the service fees on check cashing services and lays out criteria for considering the impact of any future increases.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jacqueline Collins
     o Committee: Senate Financial Institutions

• Government resources for registry – SB 3488 prohibits any state or local government agency or agent from using government resources to participate in or provide support for the creation, publication or maintenance of a registry program intended to create a compilation of personal demographic information.
     o Sponsor: Senate President John Cullerton
     o Committee: Senate Executive

Criminal law issues

• Criminal justice alternatives – SB 3023 authorizes law enforcement to develop and implement programs that offer alternatives to traditional involvement in the criminal justice system by creating immediate pathways to substance use treatment and other services.
     o Sponsor: Senator Melinda Bush
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Criminal record – SB 2560 requires any website that display’s an individual’s criminal record to remove the information upon written request.
     o Sponsor: Senator Steve Stadelman
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

• Sex offenders – SB 2526 requires an individual convicted of sex trafficking of minors to register as a sex offender.
     o Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

• Testimony – SB 2479 regulates the use of incriminating testimony in courts.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Hastings
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

• Legal immunity – SB 2294 provides legal immunity to individuals who forcibly enter a locked vehicle to save a child or animal they perceive to be in danger.
     o Sponsor: Senator Julie Morrison
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

• Withdrawing guilty plea – SB 3276 allows a defendant to withdraw their guilty plea within two years of a conviction if a judge failed to advise them that a guilty plea could affect their immigration status.
     o Sponsor: Senator Elgie Sims, Jr.
     o Committee: Senate Criminal Law

• Prohibited substances – SB 3136 allows the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Corrections to fire employees who test positive for any prohibited substance.
     o Sponsor: Senate President John Cullerton
     o Committee: Senate Executive

Education issues

• Inclusive curriculum – SB 3249 requires elementary and high schools to teach students about the important contributions of LGBTQ individuals.
     o Sponsor: Senator Heather Steans
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Free lunch – SB 2428 requires schools to provide a federally reimbursable lunch to students who wish to eat lunch, regardless of their ability to pay.
     o Sponsor: Senator Steve Stadelman
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Special education – SB 3514 requires school districts in communities with a population greater than 500,000 to determine special education staffing needs based on the individualized education program minutes, optimal scheduling protocols and other relevant factors. It also prohibits the school board from reducing special education staffing levels of schools where staffing levels are less than 90 percent of the state average.
     o Sponsor: Senator Mattie Hunter
     o Committee: Senate Education

• PE requirements – SB 2572 requires elementary students to receive at least 150 minutes of physical education each week and high school students to receive a minimum of 225 minutes of physical education. Also states that a sports waiver for physical education can only be in effect for up to two years and cannot be renewed more than twice.
     o Sponsor: Senator Linda Holmes
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Teacher salary – SB 2892 sets the minimum salary for a full-time teacher in Illinois at $40,000.
     o Sponsor: Senator Andy Manar
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Principal’s contract – Under SB 3183, if a principal is rated as “exceeding expectations” in an evaluation, the local school council’s vote to not renew the principal’s contract must be agreed to by at least 90 percent of the council’s members.
     o Sponsor: Senator Emil Jones III
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Dual credit – SB 2527 bars school boards from limiting the number of dual credit courses a student may enroll in or the number of credits a student may receive from dual credit courses.
     o Sponsor: Senator Chuck Weaver
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Emergency door locking – SB 2611 allows a school district to apply for temporary door locking devices to be used in emergency situations.
     o Sponsor: Senator Chapin Rose
     o Committee: Senate Education

• School training programs – SB 2856 requires all schools to create training programs for all personnel on cyber-bullying, sexting, and sextortion.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Connelly
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Student information – SB 3099 allows a national assessment provider to rent or sell a student’s information if it receives consent and the information is used to provide access to employment or educational opportunities.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant
     o Committee: Senate Education

• Student loans – SB 2559 requires the Board of Higher Education to develop a three-year education loan information pilot program for students at every public university and community college.
     o Sponsor: Senator Steve Stadelman
     o Committee: Senate Higher Education

• STEM teachers – SB 3047 requires universities to waive tuition, fees and campus housing costs of students who agree to pursue a bachelor’s degree in STEM areas for a teaching occupation.
     o Sponsor: Senator Andy Manar
     o Committee: Senate Higher Education

• Bridge program – SB 3058 allows a bridge program for underrepresented students at public Illinois universities to be established. The program would provide access, academic and financial support to students.
     o Sponsor: Senator Kimberly Lightford
     o Committee: Senate Higher Education

• Tuition waiver – SB 2846 provides that certain youth would receive a tuition waiver ay any public community college or university. This applies to youth who the Department has court-ordered legal responsibility for, have aged out of care at age 18 or older, were formerly under care and were the subject of an adoption assistance agreement, or were the subject of a subsidized guardianship agreement.
     o Sponsor: Senator Cristina Castro
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Student savings accounts – SB 1246 exempts student savings accounts from debt collection agencies.
     o Sponsor: Senator Scott Bennett
     o Committee: Senate Judiciary

Election issues

• Election reporting - SB 2612 requires each election authority to annually report the following information to the State Board of Elections: voter outreach to populations that have difficulty voting or accessing polling places; poll worker training material, recruitment and compensation; and a communication plan for early voting.
     o Sponsor: Senator Melinda Bush
     o Committee: Senate Executive

• Online advertisement - SB 3079 adds digital communication to “electioneering communication” and requires online platforms to make a complete record of any request to purchase an electioneering communication in excess of $500 available for public inspection.
     o Sponsor: Senator Ira Silverstein
     o Committee: Senate Executive

Environmental issues

• Solar state contracts – SB 3533 allows state purchasing officers to enter into renewable energy resource contracts and leases that do not exceed 15 years. This is designed to facilitate solar projects statewide.
     o Sponsor: Senator Pam Althoff
     o Committee: Senate State Government

• Sales tax for coal – SB 3238 extends the sales tax exemption for coal and aggregate exploration, mining, off-highway hauling, processing, maintenance and reclamation equipment until July 1, 2023.
     o Sponsor: Senator Don Harmon
     o Committee: Senate Revenue

• Well water tests – SB 2492 requires Clean Construction or Demolition Debris sites to pay for and conduct baseline well water tests on the site property and submit the results to the Environmental Protection Agency.
     o Sponsor: Senator Sue Rezin
     o Committee: Senate Environment and Conservation

• Emissions testing – SB 2643 allows auto service and repair stations to apply to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for certification as an official emission inspection station.
     o Sponsor: Senator Dan McConchie
     o Committee: Senate Environment and Conservation

• Drinking water – SB 3548 provides that the Department of Natural Resources must notify local governments and communities of a threat to their drinking water.
     o Sponsor: Senator Chapin Rose
     o Committee: Senate Environment and Conservation

Gaming issues

• Increased gaming regulations – SB 1356 allows municipalities and counties to establish additional video gaming rules in non-incorporated areas.
     o Sponsor: Senator Pam Althoff
     o Committee: Senate Gaming

• Online gambling – SB 3529 allows the department of lottery to offer certain games online such as Lotto.
     o Sponsor: Senator Steve Stadelman
     o Committee: Senate Gaming

Human Services issues

• DSP wages – SB 3508 increase rates and reimbursements so that by July 1, 2018 direct support personnel and front-line workers earn a base wage of $13.50 per hour and $15 by July 1, 2020.
     o Sponsor: Senator Heather Steans
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Community-based alternatives – SB 2424 requires the Department of Human Services to establish the Diversion from Institutionalization Homes Program to address the needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are at risk of institutionalization by providing a community-based residential alternative.
     o Sponsor: Senator Heather Steans
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Community Care – SB 1628 creates a Community Care Program Medicaid Initiative that provides targeted funding to increase enrollment in Medicaid for qualified Community Care Programs.
     o Sponsor: Senator Iris Martinez
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Dental care for Medicaid patients – SB 2429 requires preventative dental care to be provided to all Medicaid-eligible adults. Currently, services are only available to people under 21 and pregnant women.
     o Sponsor: Senator Omar Aquino
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Community-based services – SB 2951 requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to create two pilot programs for Medicaid beneficiaries to provide community-based services for young people with mental health conditions and one for young people with substance use disorders.
     o Sponsor: Senator Melinda Bush
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Quarterly reporting – SB 3075 requires the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections to submit a quarterly report regarding workplace assaults on staff.
     o Sponsor: Senator Michael Hastings
     o Committee: Human Services

• TANF – SB 3115 requires DHS to gradually increase the maximum benefit levels provided to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients so that the maximum benefit levels will be annually adjusted to remain equal to 50 percent.
     o Sponsor: Senator Mattie Hunter
     o Committee: Senate Human Services

• Medicaid oversight – SB 2447 requires the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services regarding compliance with certain requirements of Medicaid managed care entities.
     o Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy
     o Committee: Senate Special Committee on Oversight of Medicaid managed Care

Labor issues

• Protecting workers - SB 2213 retains current federal protections for workers’ rights, workers’ safety, and environmental provisions provided by various federal laws as of January 1, 2017, regardless of how they may change in the future.
     o Sponsor: Senator Daniel Biss
     o Committee: Senate Labor

• Graduate workers – SB 2546 classifies research assistants and graduate students as employees, providing them with all rights and remedies under labor laws including the right to unionize.
     o Sponsor: Senator Daniel Biss
     o Committee: Senate Labor

Public Health issues

• Metal detectors in hospitals – SB 2334 requires hospitals to have metal detectors at each public point of entry and makes visitors subject to screening.
     o Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy
     o Committee: Senate Public Health

• Nursing homes – SB 2232 prioritizes long-term care facilities for restoration of power during a power outage, regardless of reason.
     o Sponsor: Senator Dave Koehler
     o Committee: Senate Public Health

• Prescriptions - SB 3170 allows a prescription for medication other than controlled substances to be valid for up to 15 months from the date issued.
     o Sponsor: Senator Steve Stadelman
     o Committee: Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions

• Multiple Sclerosis – HB 3223 requires insurance companies to cover all physical therapy treatments for individuals with multiple sclerosis without limitation or a calendar year maximum.
     o Sponsor: Senator Terry Link
     o Committee: Senate Insurance

Revenue issues

• Senior exemption – SB 2305 increases the maximum income limitation for the senior citizens assessment freeze homestead exemption to $75,000 beginning in 2018.
     o Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy
     o Committee: Senate Revenue

• Sales tax exemption – SB 2881 exempts condoms, incontinence products, diapers and baby wipes from the state’s sales taxes, thereby reducing the tax on these products from 6.25 percent to 1 percent.
     o Sponsor: Senator Omar Aquino
     o Committee: Senate Revenue

• Fines – SB 3141 allows the Department of Revenue to impose monetary penalties for the failure to keep books and records.
     o Sponsor: Senator Karen McConnaughay
     o Committee: Senate Revenue

State Government issues

• Consolidation – SB 2543 allows mosquito abatement districts to be consolidated.
     o Sponsor: Senator Tom Cullerton
     o Committee: Senate Government Reform

• Public hearings – SB 2328 allows a political subdivision to waive the public hearing, evaluation and selection procedure for projects expected to cost less than $150,000.
     o Sponsor: Senator Linda Holmes
     o Committee: Senate Government Reform

• Drafting legislation – SB 3139 requires the legislative brand and advises the executive and judicial branches to use plain language when drafting legislation, executive orders and other public facing documents.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jacqueline Collins
     o Committee: Senate Government Reform

• Budget – SB 2279 prohibits the State of Illinois from entering into or awarding a contract if there is not an appropriation in place to fund that contract.
     o Sponsor: Senator Laura Murphy
     o Committee: Senate State Government

• Council on Women and Girls – SB 3402 establishes the Illinois Council on Women and Girls to advise the governor and General Assembly on policy issues that impact women and girls in Illinois.
     o Sponsor: Senator Jacqueline Collins
     o Committee: Senate State Government

Committee schedule for Tuesday, April 10

• Senate Appropriations I Committee | 9 a.m., Room 212 Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the Department of Human Services.
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• Senate Education Committee | 1:30 p.m., Room 212
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• Senate Public Health Committee | 1:30 p.m., Room 400
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• Senate Veterans Affairs Committee | 1:30 p.m., Room 409
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• Senate Judiciary Committee | 3 p.m., Room 400
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• Senate Higher Education Committee | 3 p.m., Room 212
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• Senate Human Services Committee | 3 p.m., Room 409
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• Senate Transportation Committee | 4:30 p.m., Room 212
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• Senate Subcommittee on CLEAR Compliance | 4:30 p.m., Room 400
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• Senate Criminal Law Committee| 5 p.m., Room 400
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Committee schedule for Wednesday, April 11

• Senate Appropriations I Committee | 8 a.m., Room 400 Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the following agencies: Illinois Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Department of Revenue, Illinois Independent Tax Tribunal, and Illinois Finance Authority.
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• Senate Gaming Committee | 8:30 a.m., Room 212
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• Senate Local Government Committee | 9:15 a.m., Room 409
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• Senate Financial Institutions Committee| 10:30 a.m., Room 409
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• Senate Labor Committee| 10:30 a.m., Room 212
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• Senate Government Reform Committee | 10:30 a.m., Room 400
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• Senate Executive Committee | 2 p.m., Room 212
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• Senate State Government Committee | 2 p.m., Room 409
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• Senate Licensed Activities and Pensions Committee | 2 p.m., Room 400
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• Senate Revenue Committee | 3:30 p.m., Room 212
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• Senate Insurance Committee | 3:30 p.m., Room 400
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• Senate Special Committee on Oversight of Medicaid Managed Care | 4:30 p.m., Room 400
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Committee schedule for Thursday, April 12

• Senate Agriculture Committee | 8 a.m., Room 409
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• Senate Appropriations II Committee | 9 a.m., Room 212 Subject matter regarding FY 19 budget request for the following agencies: Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Auditor General, Lieutenant Governor, and Comptroller.
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• Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee | 9:30 a.m., Room 400
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• Senate Telecommunications and Information Technology Committee | 11 a.m., Room 212
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• Senate Environment and Conservation Committee | 11 a.m., Room 409
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• Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee | 11 a.m., Room 400
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