SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. led a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act is about creating pathways to opportunity for people who have earned a second chance," said Sims (D-Chicago). "By automating the sealing process for eligible records, we're removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that keep people from finding employment, securing housing, and fully reintegrating into their communities. At the same time, we've been deliberate in maintaining strong public safety protections and ensuring law enforcement has the access they need."

House Bill 1836 – also known as the Clean Slate Act – would automate 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 would 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 legislation 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 measure also would create 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 passage of the Clean Slate Act represents years of collaboration among criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement and policymakers committed to balancing redemption with public safety,” said Sims. “This measure reflects Illinois' commitment to evidence-based policy that recognizes the value of second chances while protecting communities.”

House Bill 1836 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the House for further consideration.

CHICAGO — State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"Food banks across our region are already operating at capacity trying to serve community members. If SNAP benefits stop abruptly, the impact would be devastating," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Families across our community are already facing challenges in their household budgets, as the Trump tariffs continue to drive prices up, and the federal government shutdown only creates enormous new barriers for those who qualify for this essential nutrition assistance."

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including over 63,000 people in the district Sims represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Sims stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention because people being able to at should not be a partisan issue. During this time of increased need, he is encouraging people who can to donate to their local food pantries.

"Every week, food pantries support hundreds of individuals – families forced to choose between housing and food, parents who go hungry to feed their kids, and elderly people on fixed incomes that fall short of covering essentials," Sims said. "Whether you contribute supplies or funds, you're making a real difference in someone's life."

To find a local food pantry, people can visit www.feedingillinois.org/food-banks.

SPRINGFIELD – For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody’s Investors Service – one of the nation’s major rating agencies – announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats. 

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

“The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state’s hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state’s bill backlog – all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. 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.

“Moody’s upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. A rating upgrade isn’t just something we get to tout – it’s something that saves our taxpayers millions of dollars.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. secured nearly $110 million to build and repair infrastructure in the South Suburbs

"By investing in our roads, we're creating safer conditions, generating employment opportunities, and strengthening local economies across the region," said Sims (D-Chicago). "Our commitment to upgrading aging infrastructure is already showing results, with lasting benefits for south side residents.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Sims represents will see 12 infrastructure projects totaling nearly $110 million next year. Projects range from fixing cracks on Illinois 17 in Kankakee to improving pavement on Illinois 94 west of MLK Jr. Drive in Chicago.

A full list of projects in the 17^th District can be found here.