Springfield - A measure to establish a plan for renewable recycling in Illinois, supported by Senator Robert Peters was signed into law.

“As we look to establish green energy sources, we also need to make sure we’re phasing out old technology in a safe and responsible manner,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding renewable recycling in Illinois will both save taxpayers money and ensure that our new investments in clear energy such as solar panels do not become a hazard to the environment.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3790, establishes a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. The Recycling Task Force must investigate options for recycling and other end-of-life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must provide technical, administrative, and research support to this Task Force. The Task Force will then submit a report of its findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2025.

Springfield- Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to receiving the financial resources they need to be ready for adulthood thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters

“I’m pleased that we are taking this step to ensure that the state will be proactive at helping youth in care build a strong future during their final years of care,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own.”

The new law, formerly known as SB 3470, will require DCFS to save or invest a minimum percentage of a youth's benefits once they reach the age of 14. This will ensure that when DCFS no longer serves as the financial representative of  the youth, they will have some money to help them transition into a successful adult life.

Chicago- A measure to make the capitol complex more accessible for visitors with disabilities was signed into law thanks to the efforts of State Senator Robert Peters.

“The Capitol grounds belong to all of the people,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Everyone, regardless of the nature of their disability, should be able to freely move about the capitol and be able to navigate their way through our public spaces.” 

The new law will require the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to each appoint an accessibility coordinator to work in consultation with the Architect of the Capitol to address accessibility needs for each chamber.

The measure also creates the General Assembly Accessibility Task Force, which will include members appointed by each legislative leader and a chair jointly appointed by the Speaker and the President. The appointees would include individuals who have a disability or advocates for people with disabilities. The task force will examine issues concerning accessibility of the General Assembly to persons with a disability. The task force's recommendations will be due by Dec. 31, 2023.

Peoria – A measure giving crime survivors a new voice in public safety policy making spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) was recently signed into law.

“I fundamentally believe that public safety must belong to the people,” Peters said. “This law will center crime survivors and put them at the center of the conversation without fear of repercussion.”

The new law will invest in community-centered public safety by creating a Crime Reduction Task Force to develop and propose ways to reduce crime across the state. The Crime Reduction Task Force will be made up of a bipartisan group of senators and representatives, alongside law enforcement, advocates, legal and criminal justice professionals and survivors of crime.

Under this new law, formerly known as HB 4736, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority will establish a grant program open to organizations and units of local government to assist in the creation of anonymous tip hotlines or other systems to crime victims and witnesses. Additionally, this measure makes improvements to the state’s existing witness protection, which requires the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to create a program to assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of perpetrators of certain crimes. The measure would also establish a co-responder pilot program.