New Peters law increases financial penalties for civil rights violations

SPRINGFIELD – Financial penalties for civil rights violations will increase starting Jan. 1, 2024, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Civil rights violations are serious—especially if they are committed by a business that receives federal funding,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “The way we handle civil rights violations as a state plays a critical role in the message we are sending to Illinoisans, businesses and our neighboring states.”

Peters’ new law allows state claims for violations of federal civil rights laws to be heard in any court with jurisdiction. The new law allows Illinois courts to award no less than $4,000 in damages or other relief for violations, including damages for past, current, and future monetary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-monetary losses.

“By eliminating barriers preventing Illinois courts from intervening in these cases and increasing the financial penalties for civil rights violations, we are reinforcing Illinois’ commitment of being a welcoming state for people of all backgrounds,” said Peters. “We are a state that puts action behind our commitments. This new law is another example of that.”

House Bill 2248 was signed into law Friday.

Peters measure defining a delinquent minor signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – The definition of a delinquent minor has changed thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“We wouldn’t want our neighboring states to overreach and prosecute Illinois minors,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This new law prevents the overreach of an outside state, which could ultimately blur state borders.”

Peters’ measure changes the Juvenile Court Act to prevent a minor from being subject to Illinois court proceedings for behavior deemed unlawful by another state’s laws even if that behavior is not criminal in Illinois. Under Peters’ law, a minor will only be subject to Illinois delinquency proceedings for violations of Illinois law committed in Illinois.

“Vulnerable communities often bear the impact of subtle loopholes,” said Peters. “Closing this loophole protects our vulnerable communities and reinforces Illinois as a state that can handle their own court proceedings.”

House Bill 2223 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Peters’ measure ensuring representation of those impacted by the justice system signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice’s master record file will now contain essential demographic information, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters.

“Important demographic markers such as a person’s address before incarceration will help us gain a better understanding of ways to ensure the long term success of people with justice system involvement,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “An accurate record of the last known addresses of those with justice system involvement will support the No Representation Without Population Act in ending prison gerrymandering.”

According to the redistricting hub, prison gerrymandering is the practice of altering democratic representation by counting individuals with justice system involvement at the correctional facility instead of their last known place of residence before incarceration. The No Representation Without Population Act requires incarcerated individuals be counted at their home address for redistricting purposes.

In addition to ensuring the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice’s master record file contain demographic information, the legislation requires the clerk of court transmit demographic information to both departments from sentencing court.

“Everyone, regardless of their background, has a right to be fairly represented,” Peters said. “This new law strengthens the policies we have in place to end prison gerrymandering.”

House Bill 1496 was signed into law Friday.

Peters supports budget that prioritizes public safety

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget into law Wednesday: 

“When we talk about public safety, we can’t leave poverty out of the conversation. This budget provides direct resources to fight poverty, revitalize economic development and improve education in Illinois—all of the elements needed to prioritize public safety and create a safer state.”

“I am excited to witness the progress we will make with the $200 million investment for another round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act and the $20 million investment in a new Illinois Grocery Initiative to expand grocery access to underserved rural towns and urban neighborhoods.”

“I also applaud the $40 million for forgivable loans to launch more social equity cannabis businesses as well as the largest higher education funding increase in two decades. This budget uplifts all Illinoisans, with special attention to our most vulnerable communities.”

The Governor signed the budget into law Wednesday.