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.

Black Caucus applauds Fiscal Year 2024 budget investments

Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus applauded the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget agreement on Thursday.

“Earlier this year we set out a goal to pass a balanced budget that uplifts all Illinoisans with particular concern for low-income and working families. I commend my fellow legislators for advancing a budget that uplifts all communities instead of pitting needs against one another,” said State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). “I am proud to stand behind a budget that uplifts public safety by investing $200 million for another round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act.”

In addition to investments in the Reimagine Public Safety Act, the Black Caucus applauded educational investments included in the budget, including $350 million toward K-12 education and record funding for need-based financial aid to ensure students can afford college.

“A person’s educational success begins the day they are born. The quickest way to fail a generation is by failing to prioritize their education,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “In Illinois, I am proud to say we took a positive step toward ensuring our students aren’t failed by an unjust system.”

The FY 24 budget builds upon the responsible spending decisions and balanced budgets passed by the General Assembly over the last five years, prioritizing education, workforce development and more.

“I am proud of the important steps this budget takes to continue the work we have done to put Illinois on sound fiscal footing,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago). “The budget takes positive steps toward investing in disenfranchised communities, addressing the root causes of violence and funding vital services. I am proud of our commitment to fight for a budget that puts families and communities first, addresses historical disinvestments and builds stronger generations for years to come, all while being good for Illinois taxpayers.”

The budget heads to the governor for final approval.