Illinois State Senator Robert Peters

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

Details: Category: News; Monday, August 04, 2025 07:58 AM

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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

Details: Category: Press Releases; Monday, August 04, 2025 07:54 AM

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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.

New law from Peters strengthens state’s violence prevention efforts

Details: Category: News; Friday, August 01, 2025 04:03 PM

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SPRINGFIELD — Community violence prevention programs save lives, but to be effective, they need long-term support and flexibility. Thanks to a new law from State Senator Robert Peters, efforts to curb firearm violence in the state are holding strong by giving organizations more time to access critical resources and improving the way the state coordinates its response.

“We must empower community violence prevention programs with the tools they need to focus on their core mission: saving lives and creating safer areas for our residents to live,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law continues the momentum we’ve been building to address the root causes of firearm violence and invest in prevention and intervention.”

Peters’ law makes several updates to Illinois’ approach to violence prevention. First, it allows the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention to submit its annual report on an ongoing basis, rather than being locked into a rigid deadline, guaranteeing lawmakers and communities receive the most relevant data. It also extends the filing deadline for non-Medicaid-certified Reimagine Public Safety Act grantees that provide behavioral health services, giving them additional time to obtain certification. Additionally, it delays the awarding of grants by one year, giving applicants time to establish services that are vital for long-term success.

For frontline organizations working to prevent violence, the law allows more stability and a stronger foundation to continue their life-saving work. By removing unnecessary hurdles and making sure support reaches the communities that need it most, Peters’ law ensures Illinois’ most vulnerable neighborhoods have the resources to reduce violence and build safer futures.

“By improving state coordination and expanding access to grants, we’re empowering violence prevention programs with a data-driven, sustainable approach to preventing gun violence – ensuring our residents feel safe in their communities no matter where in the state they live,” said Peters.

Senate Bill 2280 was signed into law Friday. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Peters’ law reinforces DCFS as family support agency

Details: Category: News; Friday, August 01, 2025 03:41 PM

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SPRINGFIELD — To reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters led a new law to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency.

“Families who are in need of DCFS’ services are already experiencing hardship – the last thing they need is to be treated like criminals by an agency meant to be offering support,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This law ensures these families receive the respect and care they deserve and that DCFS helps the way it was intended.”

Peters’ law removes the department’s statutory authority to appoint personnel to act as peace officers in counties with more than 500,000 people. Instead, it reaffirms that any law enforcement needs involving DCFS will be handled by local or state police.

For families already navigating difficult situations, the law offers peace of mind and clarity, reinforces trust between communities and DCFS, and reduces chances of escalation.

“We must leave law enforcement functions to existing police agencies so DCFS can refocus on supporting those in need,” said Peters. “This law does just that, allowing us to reinforce trust between our communities and DCFS and avoid unnecessary escalation during sensitive family situations.”

House Bill 1715 was signed into law Friday. It goes into effect immediately.

Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 13th Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly, and the services I can provide you.

I always welcome feedback from my constituents, so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Sen. Robert Peters signature
Robert Peters
State Senator, 13th District