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.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Ram Villivalam to advance equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults was signed into law today.

“Older members of the LGBTQ community face difficulty and discrimination,” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “It is crucial that we protect LGBTQ elders’ right to age with dignity, and to access resources without fear. I am proud to say that SB 1319 does just that.”

“LGBTQ older adults face many challenges as they age, including fears about neglect, abuse, and harassment because of their identities,” said Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois. “Sometimes, LGBTQ older adults are forced by circumstances to go back into the closet as they age because of the absence of inclusive programming by service providers and a lack of affirming care in long-term care facilities. As they age, we must ensure laws and programming support and affirm them. Thank you, Sen. Villivalam, for leading the charge on SB 1319 in the State Senate.”

Senate Bill 1319 helps cultivate affirming environments in assisted living facilities for LGBTQ older adults and people living with HIV by recognizing them for aging programs funded through the federal Older Americans Act.  In such facilities, SB 1319 also protects ALL Illinoisans in Assisted Living and Shared Housing Facilities from discrimination for all of the protected categories in the Illinois Human Rights Act, including race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. 

Governor Pritzker signed this legislation into law on Friday, 8/9 and is effective immediately.

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.