Sims: Clean Slate Act creates fresh starts

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. championed a transformative criminal justice reform that balances opportunities for redemption with essential public safety measures – known as the Clean Slate Act.

"We're creating real opportunities for people who've earned the right to move forward," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By making record sealing automatic for those who qualify, we're getting rid of the red tape that stops people from getting jobs, finding homes and becoming full members of their communities again.”

The Clean Slate Act – found within House Bill 1836 – automates the sealing of criminal records that are already eligible under current law, removing the need for individuals to navigate a complex petition process. Non-conviction records will be automatically sealed, but serious crimes like murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI and domestic battery are excluded from automatic sealing.

While sealed records won't be available to private background check companies, it is important to point out that law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, the Department of Children and Family Services and state agencies authorized by law would retain full access to these records. The law aims to prevent eligible individuals from being held back by records that should already be sealed while maintaining public safety protections.

To ensure successful implementation, the law also creates the Illinois Clean Slate Task Force to monitor the development of processes for sealing criminal records without petition, create a comprehensive implementation plan, and oversee the execution of the measure’s provisions. 

“The Clean Slate Act's passage culminates years of cooperative effort among criminal justice reformers, police agencies and legislators focused on harmonizing opportunity with security," said Sims. "This policy underscores Illinois' commitment to research-backed approaches that acknowledge the importance of fresh starts while safeguarding the public."

House Bill 1836 was signed into law Friday.

Sims announces Valentine’s Day card collection drive for seniors

CHICAGO – To show appreciation and lift the spirits of local seniors, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is collecting cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Whether handmade or store-bought, a card during Valentine’s Day can serve as a reminder to older residents that they are cared for and seen,” said Sims (D-Chicago).  “One card can deliver so much power.”

Sims is encouraging residents to write handmade or store-bought cards to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely during Valentine’s Day. Children are also encouraged to participate.

Cards can be mailed or delivered now through Feb. 11 to Sims’ office at 8233 S. Princeton Ave., Chicago, IL 60620. Cards can be dropped through the mail slot.

For more information, contact Sims’ office at 773-933-7715.

Sims leads pathway to FOID card eligibility for diversion program graduates

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing mistakes can turn into learning opportunities, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. worked across the aisle to lead a new law to allow low-level, first-time weapon offenders to apply for a Firearm Owner’s Identification Card upon completing a diversion program.

“We are taking a balanced approach to recognize people can learn from their past mistakes and deserve a second chance,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Diversion programs acknowledge rehabilitation while ensuring existing safeguards remain firmly in place.”

Under Sims’ law, participants who complete the First Time Weapons Offense Diversion Program can apply for a FOID card after receiving a court order demonstrating successful program completion – so long as they meet all other existing eligibility requirements. The program will only be for individuals charged with a Class 4 felony – the lowest class felony charge for weapons.

“Many people in diversion programs are young adults who deserve a second chance to move forward,” said Sims. “Pathways to restoration are vital to rebuilding lives and build stronger communities.”  

Senate Bill 1899 takes effect Jan. 1.

Sims leads new law to protect Illinois from reckless federal budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led the charge to insulate Illinois taxpayers from damaging federal policy shifts, ensuring the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget remained intact despite the federal administration’s deep cuts to vital programs.

"The federal administration is recklessly cutting programs that Illinois families rely on, but we won't let their irresponsibility destabilize our state budget," said Sims (D-Chicago). "This law protects Illinois taxpayers and preserves our ability to fund schools, health care and essential services.”

The federal administration's budget cuts threaten to create a $267 million shortfall in Illinois' Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Senate Bill 1911 recovers nearly $250 million of that lost revenue by strategically decoupling from federal tax policy changes that benefit large corporations at the expense of working families and updating definitions to align with federal law.

In the spring, Illinois changed its corporate tax treatment of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI). However, in HR1, the federal government renamed this source from GILTI to Net Controlled Foreign Corporation Tested Income (NCTI), meaning Illinois could no longer count on the revenue from this source. Senate Bill 1911 changes the definition from GILTI to NCTI to fall in line with the federal government, therefore allowing Illinois to continue to claim that revenue. Without the definition change, Illinois would not have access to the revenue because the category no longer exists and would be eliminated from revenue receipts because of the renaming.

The other portion of Sims’ law calls for decoupling from federal bonus depreciation. Federal bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows businesses to deduct a large percentage of the purchase price of eligible business assets in the year they're placed in service, rather than depreciating them gradually over several years.

"We're standing up for working families and our state's economic stability," said Sims. "When the federal administration makes reckless decisions that harm everyday people, Illinois steps up to shield our residents. We refuse to make students, seniors and struggling families pay the price for budget shortfalls."

Senate Bill 1911 was signed into law Friday.