Crawford Celebrates New Laws Strengthening Student Services, Workforce Opportunities

CHICAGO – State Rep. Michael Crawford, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of two bills he sponsored that will strengthen student support services in Illinois schools and create clearer pathways to employment at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).

“These new laws are about investing in people,” Crawford said. “Whether it’s ensuring our students have access to highly qualified school psychologists or creating more opportunities for skilled workers to build careers at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, these measures help strengthen our communities and prepare Illinois for the future.”

House Bill 4397 modernizes Illinois law by aligning it with the training and licensure standards already required of school psychologists. The new law requires school psychologists to earn a specialized degree in school psychology, complete at least 60 graduate credit hours, and finish 1,200 hours of supervised professional experience. By formally codifying these long-standing professional standards, the legislation helps ensure students continue receiving high-quality mental health, behavioral and educational support services in schools across Illinois.

“Our students deserve access to highly trained professionals who can help them navigate academic, emotional and behavioral challenges,” Crawford said. “This legislation reinforces the high standards our school psychologists already meet while strengthening confidence in the services they provide to students and families.”

House Bill 4426 updates the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s hiring process by improving how job opportunities are advertised and creating a clearer pathway from apprenticeship to full-time employment. The law expands opportunities for apprenticeship graduates by allowing them to apply for certain entry-level positions, helping connect skilled workers with good-paying jobs while strengthening the district’s workforce.

“Apprenticeships give people the skills they need to succeed, and we should make sure those opportunities lead to real careers,” Crawford said. “This law creates a smoother path from apprenticeship to employment while helping the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District recruit and retain a strong, qualified workforce.”

Both measures were signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker and will take effect according to their respective implementation dates.