South Central Reporter

Senate Republicans have introduced a bill aimed at enhancing the safety of minors across the state. House Bill 4350 mandates public posting of child abuse reporting information in various public establishments. The bill requires these establishments to display a notice, developed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in collaboration with an accredited Children’s Advocacy Center. This notice provides essential contact information and guidance on how minors can report instances of physical and sexual abuse. The legislation targets hotels, motels, tattoo parlors, bus stations, and hospital emergency rooms and requires DCFS to make the model notice available for download on its website. House Bill 4350 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously on May 1 and now advances to the floor for further consideration.

The Illinois Senate recently advanced legislation to formally recognize the United States Space Force as an official branch of the United States Armed Forces. House Bill 5640, sponsored by Senator Tom Bennett, changes state law to include the Space Force wherever the Armed Forces are mentioned. The United States Space Force was established on December 20, 2019, as an armed force within the Department of the Air Force. Its mission is to ensure that the U.S. can operate freely in space, manage space operations, and protect American interests. This legislation passed out of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee unanimously on May 2 and now advances to the Senate floor for further action.

On May 8, Senate lawmakers heard testimony on new legislation designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers in public spaces. Senate Bill 2908 or Sami’s Law would require certain public buildings such as state capitol buildings and state rest stops to install at least one publicly accessible adult changing station if constructed two or more years after this Act's effective date or if a building seeks alterations or additions valued at $50,000 or more four or more years after this law takes effect. Sami’s Law, sponsored by Senator Sue Rezin, was created as an initiative of one of Sen. Rezin’s district staffers, Renee Abraham. The bill is named after Renee’s 26-year-old daughter, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

High school students can access valuable resources to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The FAFSA form determines how much federal financial aid a student is eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. ISAC aims to ensure that every student is aware of the free assistance available for financial aid and college planning.

In observance of Law Enforcement Appreciation Month this May, the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state are honoring the dedication and sacrifices of police officers. This annual month of recognition was created to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, honor current and former officers, and extend support to law enforcement personnel and their families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, law enforcement ranks consistently among the top ten most hazardous jobs in the United States.