Law led by Peters protects Illinois workers from federal rollbacks

SPRINGFIELD — A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters ensures the state maintains strong protections for wage standards, coal mine safety and occupational health, even if federal laws are weakened or repealed.

“Our workers are the backbone of our state, and when things become uncertain at the federal level, it’s our job to ensure their rights are protected,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law sends a clear message that in Illinois, we fight for working people, and we will not back down.” 

The law prevents the Illinois Department of Labor and Department of Natural Resources from adopting any rules less protective than those in effect under federal law as of April 28, 2025. Peters’ law also requires IDOL to restore any repealed federal occupational safety rules not already covered under state law and allows legal actions against employers who violate them.

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Peters responds to Washington’s bail reform myths, calls for honest leadership

CHICAGO — In recent public remarks, the federal administration threatened to change statutes on cash bail in Illinois and Washington, D.C., accusing the SAFE-T Act and the end of cash bail of increasing crime rates in Chicago. To set the record straight on both the law and the facts, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Once again, the federal administration is spreading dangerous misinformation – this time falsely claiming the end of cash bail in Illinois has led to rising crime rates across the state, particularly in Chicago, and that murderers are being released the same day they commit a crime. This could not be further from the truth.

“Not only are these claims blatantly wrong, they are intentionally misleading in order to spread fear. The truth is very simple: Illinois now prioritizes public safety over wealth. Under our state’s criminal justice system reform, individuals are detained or released based on whether they pose a risk to the community or are likely to flee – not on whether they can afford to foot the bill. That means someone with money doesn’t get a free pass, and someone without it isn’t jailed simply because they’re poor.

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Peters’ law overhauls state’s mental health crisis response system

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is reshaping the way agencies respond to mental health crises and offer critical services to those in need, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that ensures better coordination, training and accountability in the delivery of behavioral health services.

“We’re dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, reducing stigma and optimizing resource allocation for mental health services,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We must prevent individuals from falling through the cracks, and we do that by equipping crisis responders with the skills to assess needs accurately and connect people with the appropriate care.”

Under Peters’ law, the implementation deadline of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act is extended until July 1, 2027, ensuring a more thorough and thoughtful rollout of critical services. The law comes at a time when mental health services are under increasing strain, with more people experiencing mental health crises and a heightened demand for accessible care.

In addition to providing a clear roadmap for CESSA implementation, the law permits new training for mobile mental health relief teams and an updated data collection structure, transforming how mental health emergencies are handled and offering a strong framework for individuals in crisis and the organizations that serve them.

“Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis need to be met with effective, appropriate, compassionate care,” said Peters. “This law ensures these emergencies are met with the professionalism needed for long-term improved outcomes.”

Senate Bill 2500 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect immediately.

Retirement savings options expanded under Peters’ law

SPRINGFIELD — Saving for retirement will become easier and more flexible for thousands of Illinois workers, thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters that expands access to portable, customizable savings options. 

“Our residents deserve retirement savings options that offer them greater flexibility and control while still prioritizing their financial security,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law does just that – empowering people to tailor their financial planning, addressing financial vulnerability and promoting equity in retirement savings.”

In 2015, the state created the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program to address the growing gap in retirement savings for Illinois workers. Nearly 40% of private sector workers in Illinois do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, leaving many with no way to save for the future. Since its inception, the program has helped over 150,000 participants save more than $200 million for retirement, with more than 25,000 employers offering the program to their workers. 

Peters’ law expands these efforts, as it gives workers more options for retirement savings. By allowing workers to hold both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the law offers more flexibility and personalized savings strategies. The law also makes the program more portable, meaning workers can continue contributing to their retirement savings even if they change jobs, without losing track of their funds.

“Financial security during retirement shouldn’t be based on if your employer offers a plan or allows a previous plan to transfer over,” said Peters. “We’re giving residents the support they need to take charge of their financial planning and ensuring employers do their part in closing the financial security gap.”

Senate Bill 1441 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.