CHICAGO—A new law sponsored by Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) will break down a barrier many in Illinois with criminal records face when trying to get a job.

The new law will prevent wait times for background checks by allowing individuals otherwise qualified for a direct care position to start a background check before receiving a job offer.

Currently, applicants have to wait for the offer first, holding up the employment process.

“This new law will help many throughout the state get their lives back on track,” Sims said. “It will put people back to work and help keep them out of our prison system. By getting these background checks done upfront, we provide a greater level of transparency between applicants and employers, avoid wait times and help Illinoisans with criminal records have a better shot at getting a job.” 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in health care occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs. 

“Employers in the health care industry need to fill positions quickly, and with this new law we are giving them the tools they need to hire qualified candidates in the most efficient and effective manner possible,” Sims said. “This new law will help millions of people throughout Illinois get a second chance at fully reintegrating into society by eliminating this employment barrier.”

Senate Bill 1965 was signed into law Wednesday. It takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD—A new law will help ensure disadvantaged communities will have clean drinking water.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) is the sponsor of a plan that requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to prioritize a portion of water infrastructure funding for low-income areas for five years to provide sustainable and equitable water management.

“People of all communities in Illinois should be able to turn on their faucet and find clean water,” Sims said. “With this new law, we are making sure that the water infrastructure in struggling communities is not underfunded.”

The bill also allows assistance to be used for a variety of research and improvement options, including water rate studies, training activities and aid for replacement of lead services lines.

“What we are doing is preventing a crisis like the one we saw in Flint,” Sims said. “I thank the governor and my colleagues for supporting this legislation that puts the health and well-being of all Illinoisans first.”

House Bill 2650 was signed into law today. It is effective immediately.

CHICAGO—A plan designed to combat racial disparities during traffic stops in Illinois was signed into law Friday.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) spearheaded the legislation, which was originally sponsored by President Barack Obama when he served as a state senator. The plan aims to prevent racial discrimination by collecting data around police stops for drivers and pedestrians.

“Seeing flashing lights in the rearview mirror invokes fear for many, especially people of color, because of the numerous traffic stops that have turned deadly,” Sims said. “This important tool will help ensure that we’re revealing and preventing racial disparities in traffic stops throughout the state.”

The new law eliminates the sunset date for the traffic stop statistical study, which is currently set to end on July 1.

It also creates a task force to study the best data use of technology to collect and compile traffic stop statistical data. The task force must report to the governor and General Assembly by March 1, 2022, and every three years after.

“Together we are working to end racial bias during traffic stops, build police-community relations and guarantee the safety of both police and the communities they serve,” Sims said.

House Bill 1613 goes into effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the governor signed an executive order for a comprehensive 2020 Census effort in Illinois:

“It is vital that all communities are accounted for in the next census. Minority communities historically have been underrepresented.

“I commend the governor for taking this crucial step to ensure that census data is as accurate as possible to provide the necessary resources for every community.

“As state leaders, we must do all we can to ensure that all of our communities are equally represented. This executive order will help guarantee that government funding helps all communities by making sure every single Illinoisan is accounted for in the upcoming census.”