SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Ram that would create opportunities for careers in water infrastructure was signed into law last Friday.

“The ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan is a prime example of what can happen to communities when their water infrastructure is neglected by their government for long periods of time,” VIllivalam (D-Chicago) said. “By creating the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program, Illinois is taking important steps to avoid that same fate while training local folks for strong, union jobs that will bolster our economy and change lives.”

SB 2146 would require the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program that would provide grants and other financial assistance to prepare people for careers in water infrastructure.

This legislation takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam to protect immigration status in a civil case was signed into law on Friday.

"As the son of Indian immigrants, I know firsthand that immigrants have not pursued justice, at times, due to fear that their immigration status will be brought up in court. That ends now. Whether related to workers' compensation, harassment, discrimination, wage theft, or a whole host of other issues, all residents of our state deserve to access justice without fear," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "I would like to thank Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation into law and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her efforts in passing this legislation through the House."

SB 1429 would make a person's immigration status generally inadmissible in civil proceedings unless it is essential to prove the element of a case or an affirmative defense. Illinois has become the 3rd state to enact such a policy, following the lead of Washington and California.

This legislation is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Representative Delia Ramirez and State Senator Ram Villivalam that would increase the availability of baby changing facilities in public buildings was signed into law last week.

 “Our state is sending a message that we welcome, support, and celebrate all parents, guardians, and caretakers,” Villivalam (D-Skokie) said. “This legislation removes an unnecessary barrier to child care by ensuring that all those who are raising children, regardless of gender identity, have access to a baby changing station in public places.”

HB 3711 would ensure that all public restrooms in new state buildings that are readily accessible to the public have baby changing stations that are physically safe, sanitary, and usable. In addition, signage outside the entrance to restrooms where the baby changing station is located would be required.

This legislation  will take effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to lower fees for people under 18 years of age who seek a duplicate copy of their state issued ID was signed into law last week.

“For safety purposes, it is important for young people to have a form of identification ,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “I believe that this fee reduction will encourage more youth to obtain their ID card and ensure all have access to identification, regardless of socioeconomic status. I am proud to have worked with Secretary White and Representative D’Amico to move this legislation forward.”

HB 808 reduces the fee for original, renewal, and duplicated Illinois ID cards for teenagers to $5 from from $10.

This legislation takes effect immediately.