Sims to end youth solitary confinement

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is fighting to end youth solitary confinement – leading to better outcomes for children who are detained.

“Sadly, across the nation, young people are unjustly held in solitary confinement, spending 22 hours alone or more each day,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “That is inhumane and can cause grave psychological, physical and developmental harm.”

Sims’ measure would prohibit the use of solitary confinement on young detainees in detention centers for any purpose other than preventing immediate physical harm.

Young people in solitary confinement are isolated both physically and socially, often for days, weeks, or even months on end. Sometimes there is a window allowing natural light to enter or a view of the world outside cell walls. Sometimes it is possible to communicate by yelling to other inmates, with voices distorted, reverberating against concrete and metal. Occasionally, they get a book or bible, and if they are lucky, study materials. But inside this cramped space, few contours distinguish one hour, one day, week, or one month, from the next.

“For children, who are still developing and more vulnerable to irreparable harm, risks are magnified – particularly for kids with disabilities or histories of trauma and abuse,” said Sims. “Children should not be deprived of the services, programming, and other tools that they need for healthy growth, education, and development. We should be helping kids to grow into productive and healthy adults, not harming them.”

House Bill 3140 passed the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety.

Sims protects consumers from credit card issues stemming from business closure

SPRINGFIELD – If a store closes due to bankruptcy or other shortcomings, customers who have credit cards with the company would not be negatively impacted under legislation being led by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr.

“A person’s credit score follows them everywhere,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “One credit card mishap can take years to recover from. Consumers must be protected.”

Under Senate Bill 2121, if a customer’s credit account is closed due to the business closing or inactivity on the account, the business must notify credit reporting agencies of the reasoning so it is not assumed the customer failed to pay the balance of the account.

“We must ensure that people’s credit and finances aren’t diminished because of others,” said Sims.

Senate Bill 2121 passed the Senate Financial Institutions Committee Tuesday. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Sims works to protect innocent teens who were wrongly accused

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a measure to ensure that teenagers who are wrongly accused of crimes will be able to obtain innocence.

“Adjudication of delinquency – especially at a young age – can ruin a person’s life,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Justice isn’t served until a person’s innocence is reconciled to not just them, but the public.”

Under Senate Bill 1844, if a juvenile is falsely adjudicated for a crime they did not commit, they will have the power to petition the court for a certificate of innocence within two years of the charges being dismissed.

“Adjudication of delinquency carries collateral consequences that can hinder the rehabilitative goal of the juvenile system,” said Sims. “We must do everything we can to ensure young people receive the justice they deserve.”

Senate Bill 1844 passed the Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety. It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Sims celebrates Illinois’ seventh credit upgrade

SPRINGFIELD – For the seventh time in less than two years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. S&P Global Ratings – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by Illinois Democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. – the Senate Appropriations Committee chair and Majority Caucus Appropriations leader – released the following statement:

“Today’s news is yet another sign the years of fiscal responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families and provide funding for the people who need the most help – all while paying down our bill backlog. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

“S&P Global Ratings’ upgrade of Illinois bonds shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. Our future looks bright and I look forward to continued collaborative efforts during this year’s budget negotiation process to keep the state on this upward economic trajectory.”