Ammons’ Bills Focused on Human Rights, Environmental Justice, Immigrant Protections now Law

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is reforming Illinois’ criminal justice system, advocating for the trans community, advancing environmental justice, and defending immigrants with a series of new laws.

“The House and I took bold action on a number of key issues facing families across Illinois, and these are just a few of the important bills that will lead Illinois into the future,” Ammons said. “Through long nights and hours of work, I wanted to make sure my community and our state knows that Springfield is responsive to their needs.” 

Signed into law on June 9, Ammons worked with stakeholders to make Department of Corrections information on resources available to incarcerated individuals as they reenter society (House Bill 2250). 

Ammons continued her efforts to preserve Illinois’ wildlife and ecological diversity, partnering with the Illinois Environmental Council, the Sierra Club, and the Illinois Environmental Agency (EPA) to give the EPA more latitude in cleaning up environmentally devastated lands (House Bill 2278). 

As trans and gender nonconforming people face increasing levels of violence and dehumanization, she struck gender specific and exclusionary language from Illinois laws (House Bill 1596). 

As part of her efforts to support undocumented communities, she barred city and local officials from denying public funds to organizations that serve undocumented residents (House Bill 1283).

“I am thankful to the Governor, my House and Senate colleagues and the many stakeholders that made these legislative accomplishments possible,” Ammons said. “These victories go to show that everyday people can and do make a difference in where our state goes legislatively. As I return to my community and connect with the diverse communities I serve, I look forward to developing a legislative agenda that reaffirms the power and importance of every Illinoisan.” 

For more information, visit www.staterepcarolammons.com.