SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam’s legislation to streamline the process of appointing a guardian for those children whose parents have been taken into federal immigration custody was signed into law today.

“Now more than ever, it is our duty at the state level to support immigrant families impacted by Donald Trump's horrendous immigration policies," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "We need to do whatever is in our power to give parents and guardians at risk of detainment or deportation some peace of mind. That starts with giving them the opportunity to choose who will care for their children should they be forcibly separated, ensuring their children are being taken care of in a safe, nurturing environment. It's the least we can do. Additionally, I want to thank Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for bringing this issue to the fore and for her tireless dedication.”

House Bill 836 will allow a court to proceed on an appointment of a guardian of a minor if the parents are unable to give consent to the appointment. The appointee will be allowed to extend their guardianship for 365 days if the administrative separation is ongoing. The petition for the appointment must include information about the case, including the time of separation and the known location of the parents.

This legislation takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Ram Villivalam issued the following statement following the signing of legislation that would modernize Illinois’ infrastructure:

“For far too long we have let our state's transportation and infrastructure system fall by the wayside,” State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Skokie) said. “By passing this capital plan we’ve begun to address the serious need for investment.”

Since February, the Subcommittee on Capital traveled the state to learn about our construction needs directly from constituents. A wide range of municipalities, non-profits, advocacy groups, and more presented testimony at eight subcommittee hearings in Springfield, Edwardsville, Decatur, Peoria, Chicago, Elgin, and Grayslake.

“Over the course of the past few months I was fortunate to travel the state with my colleagues listening to different constituencies and what their infrastructure needs would look like,” Villivalam said. “The message was clear: our roads and bridges are crumbling, our trains need upgrading, and buildings across the state need repair. I am proud of the work we've done to address these challenges, cementing Illinois as a transportation hub and ensuring our roads are safe for residents.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation supported by State Senator Ram Villivalam that would allow for the legal purchase, possession, and taxation of cannabis was signed into law today.

“I am proud to have supported recreational cannabis legislation that has strong social and economic justice provisions,” Villivalam said. “From the research that undeniably illustrates that this is good public policy to the polling that shows that there is broad base of support from residents in the state of Illinois, legalizing cannabis makes sense for our state.”

House Bill 1438:
• Provides law enforcement with the funding and tools to oversee usage.
• Creates a legal industry that ensures minority participation with regard to both equity in ownership and quality employment.
• Expunges minor cannabis offenses to end the vicious cycle of the criminal justice system.
• Provides revenue to the state of Illinois.

The use and possession of cannabis in Illinois become legal Jan. 1, 2020.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to streamline the process of appointing a guardian for those children whose parents have been taken into federal immigration custody under an initiative by State Senator Ram Villivalam that passed the Senate today.

"Now more than ever, it is our duty at the state level to support immigrant families devastated by the White House's xenophobic immigration policies," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "We need to do whatever is in our power to give parents and guardians at risk of detention or deportation peace of mind. They should have the power to choose who will care for their children should they be forcibly separated, ensuring their children are being taken care of in a safe, nurturing environment. It's the least we can do.”

HB 836 would allow a court to proceed on an appointment of a guardian of a minor if the parents are unable to give consent to the appointment. The appointee would be allowed to extend their guardianship for 365 days, if the administrative separation is ongoing. The petition for the appointment must include information about the case including the time of separation and the known location of the parents.

This legislation awaits the governor’s signature to become law.