SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, is advancing the safety of domestic violence and abuse survivors with two new laws that expand protections for victims and those at risk of harassment.

Currently in Illinois, emergency protection orders (POs) remain in effect between two and three weeks. Senate Bill 3044, led by West this spring legislative session, ensures emergency POs go into effect once a judge signs them, rather than once the order is physically served.

“Ensuring emergency protection orders go into effect the moment that judges sign them can mean the difference between life and death for survivors facing violence and abuse,” said West. “Waiting until the order is officially served leaves those seeking protection vulnerable, whether that’s a few hours or a few days. This new law fixes that troublesome gap.”

West’s Senate Bill 3044 is in response to a Rockford constituent detailing how risky even a brief gap in protection can be for someone seeking an emergency order. Senate Bill 3044 closes that gap in coverage to ensure those with emergency POs experience the safest outcome possible. The measure was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Pritzker.

Additionally, West led Senate Bill 3020 this spring, expanding the definition of ‘harassment’ under both the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

“Abuse comes in many forms, and not all of them leave bruises or other outward signs,” said West. “That’s why it’s critical we build stronger guardrails, so stalkers and offenders who spam, threaten, or track survivors are held to the highest standard in court. Senate Bill 3020 takes an important first step in protecting Illinoisans from this abuse by drawing a hard line: harassment doesn’t have to be physical to be real.”

Under West’s Senate Bill 3020, harassment newly includes:

• Repeated direct or indirect contact via phone, electronic, or online channels;
• Direct or indirect surveillance, electronic tracking, or gathering location and travel information without consent;
• Nonconsensual sharing or threats to share private or digitally altered sexual images, or AI-generated content impersonating someone;
• ‘Doxing,’ per the Civil Liabilities for Doxing Act.

Currently limited to counties with 250,000+ residents, remote protective order (PO) hearings would expand statewide under this bill, requiring court approval unless good cause exists for denial. It also prevents courts from denying POs solely due to a petitioner’s incarceration or extending them based only on a lack of violations. The measure was signed into law by the governor on Aug. 7.

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EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, released the following statement supporting a coalition of teachers unions and their lawsuit against the Department of Education for a controversial ‘professional degree’ rule change, which excludes a range of graduate programs from federal student loan opportunities:

“Despite the invaluable role that learning plays in our children’s lives, schools are facing federal funding cuts, public education infrastructure is being dismantled, and now, Department of Education policy changes threaten to saddle future teachers with greater student debt. This disastrous and insulting reversal will undoubtedly discourage many talented people from going into education, even as communities across Illinois and this country deal with teacher shortages.

“If that’s not enough, the same rejection of financial aid applies to nurses, social workers, public health experts and many other undervalued professionals, further undermining opportunities for working- and middle-class students to excel.

“I’ve fought to pass legislation supporting education in Illinois for the same reason I’m putting my full support behind this legal action. Education builds a better future, not just for students learning new skills, but for every person in our community who benefits from the expertise of another generation of talented professionals.”

SPRINGFIELD, – Ill. — With online harassment and technology-facilitated abuse presenting new challenges for survivors, state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, is lauding the signing of legislation to strengthen protective orders and give courts greater authority to address digital harassment, tracking and the misuse of private images.

“Technology should never be used as a weapon to intimidate, threaten or control another person,” Lilly said. “Survivors deserve protections that reflect the realities of today’s world. This legislation gives courts stronger tools to address digital harassment and helps ensure those being targeted have meaningful avenues for protection and accountability.”

Senate Bill 3020 modernizes Illinois’ protective order laws to address evolving forms of harassment, including doxing, electronically generated or digitally altered content, sexual private images and digitally-altered sexual images. The law empowers courts to order individuals subject to protective orders to stop creating, using or distributing harassing material and to require its removal and deletion. It also gives courts the authority to order the removal of electronic tracking devices, monitoring systems and tracking information and establishes procedures for extending plenary protective orders. Additionally, the legislation makes corresponding changes to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, strengthening protections for survivors facing both traditional and technology-facilitated forms of abuse.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, communities and online,” Lilly said. “I am proud to sponsor legislation that strengthens protections for survivors and ensures our laws keep pace with the ways harassment and abuse are evolving.”

The new law reflects Illinois’ continued commitment to strengthening protections for survivors and addressing emerging forms of abuse. By recognizing the ways technology can be used to harass, monitor and control others, Senate Bill 3020 helps ensure survivors have stronger legal protections and that those who misuse technology to cause harm can be held accountable.

JOLIET, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, joined state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel, and Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse on Aug. 13 to cut the ribbon on the new Hufford Junior High School in Joliet.

The new Hufford building, along with the new Gompers Junior High School, were funded in part through a $99.5 million bond referendum approved by Joliet voters in 2023. The former Hufford and Gompers school buildings were each more than 69 years old. 

“The overwhelming approval of this referendum reflects our community’s shared commitment to its students,” Rep. Manley said. “With 71.6% of voters in support, District 86 residents made clear that our children deserve schools that are built for learning, growth and opportunity.” 

The new schools include larger classrooms and hallways, upgraded technology, improved ADA accessibility, increased safety and security, greater energy efficiency, and more. Geothermal systems at the schools will lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions while providing comfortable classrooms year-round.

Beyond the replacement of Gompers and Hufford junior high schools, the referendum will support security and safety upgrades, accessibility improvements, and restroom renovations at all 21 schools throughout the district.

“These facilities are a true testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community to invest in our youth,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Board of School Inspectors President Matthew Pritz, “The Board is deeply committed to providing exceptional learning environments that will empower our dedicated staff, inspire our students today, and serve as strong cornerstones for our entire community for decades to come.”

Joliet Public Schools District 86 serves 9,295 students across 15 elementary schools, four junior high schools, one early childhood center and one alternative school. Hufford Junior High is located at 1125 N. Larkin Ave. in Joliet, and Gompers Junior High is at 1501 Copperfield Ave. in Joliet. 

OTTAWA, Ill. – Working towards fairer accommodations for Illinoisans with disabilities, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, is highlighting her work expanding Sami’s Law this spring legislative session, which was successfully signed into law by the governor Aug. 7.

“I’m excited we made it to the finish line—getting Sami’s Law signed into our books means more Illinoisans with disabilities and severe mobility obstacles can comfortably use handicap stalls in more restrooms around the state,” said Briel. “This is an example of real change for real people. So many families have expressed the need for more accessible accommodations in our ADA-compliant restrooms so caregivers and loved ones are not forced to change in the back of the car or on a dirty bathroom floor. This expansion of Sami’s Law grants these families and their loved ones the independence and inclusion they rightfully deserve. Everyone should have access to a restroom that fits their mobility needs.”

Sami’s Law was originally signed in 2024, requiring any interstate highway rest stop to include an adult-sized changing table within a handicap stall. Briel’s House Bill 4379 serves as an extension ensuring more ADA-compliant restroom stalls include a changing station for individuals with disabilities weighing over 50 pounds.

Specifically, the measure will require large, public building developments constructed after Jan. 1, 2029, and which exceed 40,000 square feet or more with a capacity of over 1,500, to include an adult changing station in a bathroom stall. By expanding requirements to include most large public buildings, more Illinois children and adults with severe mobility issues or other disabilities can comfortably and privately use these facilities, while also giving caregivers assurance their loved one has adequate accommodations.

House Bill 4379 was signed into law Aug. 7 and goes into effect immediately. For more information, please email contact@staterepbriel.com.

CICERO, Ill. – As a result of the state budget championed by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, Morton College has received an Adult Volunteer Literacy grant to better provide instruction for adults reading below a ninth-grade level or those without English language proficiency.

“Raising local literacy rates is the surest way we can grow our economy and build a stronger community, and this grant will do exactly that,” Hernandez said. “I would like to extend my profound congratulations to Morton College for being selected by this grant program. Their adult literacy services have served thousands over the years, helping prepare them for obtaining jobs, housing and advancing their careers. I am proud of their unending commitment to our community and look forward to the progress made by these investments.”

The Secretary of State’s office announced today the release of a series of grants to organizations and libraries throughout Illinois. Project CARE, Morton College’s program aimed at bolstering adult literacy rates for those reading at or below a ninth-grade level or those with limited English proficiency, received $150,000.

Project CARE connects adults with one-on-one tutoring that builds confidence and proficiency in reading, writing, mathematics and English language learning. Tutoring services are provided at no-cost to participants.

For more information on Project CARE, visit morton.edu/project-care.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law led by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is targeting telecommunications wire thieves by restricting who can sell and purchase the wire, as well as banning cash purchases of $100 or more at recyclable metal dealers.

“Telecommunications wire can contain copper, and unfortunately thieves see it as an easy opportunity to make a quick buck,” Hoffman said. “This can cause disruptions for telecommunications providers and their customers, so we’re taking action.”

Hoffman’s House Bill 4943 updates the state’s Recyclable Metal Purchase Registration Law by making it a violation to sell or purchase telecommunications wire unless the seller is an authorized agent of a licensed contractor of a public utility or telecommunications service.

It also updates existing law that prohibited recyclable metal dealers from paying cash for copper, including copper tubing or wiring, that has a value of $100 or more. House Bill 4943 clarifies that this prohibition also applies to telecommunications wire.

“We want to eliminate the financial incentives driving this behavior from bad actors,” Hoffman said. “I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this legislation received, it’s important that we continue to look at ways to deter these thieves.”

House Bill 4943 will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.— State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, championed legislation to guarantee student service members could return to higher education after military service or deployment. The Servicemember Education Rights Veneration Act (SERVE Act), which received bipartisan support in the House and Senate, is now law.

“Students who leave their education to serve in our military shouldn’t be penalized for their service,” said Stuart, “and this act ensures their educational pathway will continue when a student service member returns home.”

The SERVE Act creates several protections for student service members, including requiring institutions of higher education to grant accommodations and enrollment to students whose education is paused by military service. These accommodations will be unique to each student and their educational institution, and must all be documented for both the institution and student’s sake.

The SERVE Act also allows financial protections for students’ tuition, housing, textbooks, and other costs that will go unused due to military service through refund opportunities. Additionally, a student’s record and status at an educational institution will be preserved for up to five years after their service has ended, allowing students to return to their prior academic standing and progress.

“Veterans, those who risk their lives for our freedom and safety, are in dire need of support when their time in the service ends,” said Stuart. “Our veterans should be able to resume their education so they can bring their experience and perspective to the workplace.”

Senate Bill 3737 was signed into law last month and will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

PEORIA, Ill. — State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, supports a new bill encouraging and expanding access to youth civic engagement by requiring high schools to provide voter registration opportunities and information, inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

“High school education goes beyond the classroom,” said Gordon-Booth. “This school year, high school seniors across Illinois will be educated about registering to vote, an important step towards being civically engaged.”

House Bill 4339, establishing the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, ensures that all public high schools offer students of voting age the opportunity to register to vote. Registering to vote can be complicated, especially for first-time voters. This bill will give high schoolers a safe space to learn, ask questions, and take steps towards civic engagement.

This bill honors Rev. Jackson, Sr. and his dedication to equal rights and public service, who passed away earlier this year after a storied career marching alongside Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., developing the Rainbow Coalition based in Chicago, and so much more.

“As the daughter of two lifelong civil rights activists, I look up to people like Reverend Jesse Jackson Dr. who marched and organized for the rights we now enjoy,” said Gordon-Booth. “This expansion of youth voter registration will help realize Rev. Jackson’s goal of a more engaged, activated youth.”

House Bill 4339 was signed into law last month and will be in effect this school year.