SPRINGFIELD – With the intention of expanding the civil liberties of individuals on probation, a measure to establish additional stipulations for court orders towards individuals on probation sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Wednesday.

“Individuals sentenced to probation should be afforded the same liberties as ordinary citizens, as long as the liberties are unrelated to the circumstances that landed them on probation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Alleviating restrictions on cannabis drug use under supervision for those on probation is a positive step toward true reform.”

Currently, a court can order a person on probation to refrain from using drugs, including substances such as alcohol and cannabis that are legal in Illinois.

Senate Bill 1886 stipulates a court cannot order that a person on probation, conditional discharge, or supervision refrain from having cannabis or alcohol in his or her body unless the presence of an intoxicating compound is an element of the offense charged or the person is participating in a Problem-Solving Court.

“By definition, probation means a person is released for good behavior under supervision,” said Peters. “A person who has demonstrated good behavior shouldn’t be punished for engaging in legal activities.”

Senate Bill 1886 passed the Senate Executive Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure adding protections for homeowners and tenants who lose their home or residence due to a property tax sale as a result of unpaid property taxes sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Tuesday.

“Adding protections for homeowners and tenants with overdue property taxes upholds the humanity of those going through tough times,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Homeowners and tenants need to be protected from predatory tax deed purchasers.”

Current law requires tax deed purchasers to give renters notices to move immediately, with no regard to how long they have lived at the property or if the renter has a written or oral rental agreement. Tax deed purchasers have the right to file an eviction against the renter and anyone living at the property under current law, which can negatively affect the renter’s credit record even if the renter did no wrong.

In addition to adding protections for homeowners and tenants, tax sale buyers will also be required to identify current tenants and provide those tenants with notice that ownership has changed, how to contact the new owner and how to continue to pay rent.

“Homes hold a lot of memories, especially for our most vulnerable communities,” said Peters. “Under this measure, we can work with families to prevent homelessness by educating them on ways their local government will help them get through rough times, instead of intensifying them.”

Senate Bill 2082 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Last week, I spent time in Springfield progressing legislation and successfully passed four bills out of committee. Watch the video below for more information on my bills that will be headed to the Senate floor for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that redefines assistant state's attorneys, assistant public defenders and assistant appellate defenders as non-managerial employees passed the Senate Labor Committee on Wednesday.

“Outlining the rights of both public employees and public employers eliminates confusion,” said Peters. (D-Chicago). “Clear-cut definitions ensure the protection of public safety for Illinois residents.”

Under current law, a managerial employee is defined as an individual who is engaged predominantly in executive and management functions and is charged with the responsibility of directing the implementation of management policies and practices.

Currently, the state grants public employees full freedom of association, self-organization, and designation of representatives of their own choosing for the purpose of negotiating wages, hours and other conditions of employment or other mutual aid or protection.   

“The ability to negotiate wages, hours and other conditions of employment, are critical employee rights,” said Peters. “Preserving these rights consequently ensures the protection of the rights of all employees.

Senate Bill 2371 passed the Senate Labor Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.