SPRINGFIELD – A measure that would create a Property Tax Payment Plan Task Force to study establishing a payment plan program for owner-occupants to repay delinquent property taxes sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Wednesday.

“Generational wealth in minority communities is often held in homeownership,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Housing stability and financial prosperity for our most vulnerable families should not be at the mercy of high interest rates when paying off unpaid taxes.”

Senate Bill 74 stipulates the task force be comprised of 18 members, 16 of which will be appointed by the governor. Senate Bill 74 also stipulates co-chairpersons of the task force be appointed by the President of the Senate and by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

According to Housing Action Illinois, 25% of people owe less than $1,000. Additionally, 95% of homeowners end up redeeming their delinquent taxes under the current system and paying extremely high interest rates.

“Seniors and those with disabilities are unfortunately more likely to be behind on property tax payments,” said Peters. “Working with our most vulnerable citizens facing financial hardship is a more effective way to reach the end goal than yielding to cutthroat investors looking to exploit our most vulnerable residents.”

Senate Bill 74 passed the Senate Revenue Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Juvenile court service fees will soon be discontinued thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“Court fees can quickly add up, especially when fee amounts are unstable,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Accumulating thousands of dollars of debt is catastrophic for youth and their families.”

Under current law, courts can charge fees and fines to youth and their parents for juvenile court services that can range from $25 to over $800. According to Stand for Children Illinois, claim practices are inconsistent from county to county and perpetuate economic injustice, especially for low-income youth and youth of color.

Senate Bill 1463 also provides that if community service is ordered by the court, it must not interfere with school hours. The measure is similar to legislation passed in California, Nevada, Indiana and Texas.

“Inconsistent fees are a clear sign of ineffective and biased policies,” said Peters. “Dismantling policies that aid in economic injustice empowers our most vulnerable communities.”

Senate Bill 1463 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure that would allow individuals previously convicted of a felony to seek an occupational license to perform non-gaming related services, sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters, passed committee Wednesday.

“Navigating employment with social barriers such as previous felony convictions can be a strenuous process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Making jobs more accessible for those looking to move on from their past is a sensible way to provide them with the opportunity to be financially independent.”

Occupational licenses are required of individuals seeking employment at gaming operations such as at a casino or an Organization Gaming Facility.

Instead of an automatic disqualification, Senate Bill 1462 would require the Gaming Board to apply the standard for considering prior convictions in employment decisions established under the Human Rights Act.

The Human Rights Act prohibits an employer from using a conviction record as a basis for refusing to hire someone unless there is a substantial relationship between one or more of the previous criminal offenses and the employment sought. The Human Rights Act additionally prohibits an employer from using a conviction record as basis for refusing to hire someone unless granting employment would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the public.

“Hardworking individuals looking to reestablish themselves should be given a second opportunity to show their contributions to society,” said Peters. “Individuals with prior convictions deserve opportunities obtain financial resources legally and with dignity.”

Senate Bill 1462 passed the Senate Executive Committee and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters and State Representative Dagmara “Dee” Avelar are partnering to introduce a measure that would require hospitals to screen each uninsured patient for eligibility in state and federal health insurance programs and financial assistance.

“Black and Brown communities are more likely to suffer from medical ailments like high-blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease,” said Peters (D-Chicago) “These conditions often trigger additional health issues, increasing the likelihood of medical debt. Proactive financial assistance screenings are needed to reduce the chance of medical debt accumulation.”

Senate Bill 2080 prohibits hospitals from pursuing collection actions against uninsured patients if they have not completed the screening requirements. The measure also forbids the sale of medical debt, places limitations on collection actions and establishes penalties for violating the proposed law.

The bill requires screenings and all follow-up assistance to be culturally competent, in the patient's primary language, in plain language and in an accessible format.

“When going through a medical issue the last thing you want to be worried about is how you’re going to pay for it,” said Peters. “Financial assistance given in the most uncomplicated way empowers people to recover from their ailments worry free.”

“As a state representative, I see it as my duty to do everything I can to help even the playing field when it comes to health care coverage,” said Avelar (D-Bolingbrook). “I look forward to working with my stakeholders and my fellow legislators to expand health care coverage for all Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 2080 awaits a hearing in the Senate Insurance Committee.