SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons assures an increase in the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students following the signing of Senate Bill 1709.

“Unfortunately, we have seen in increase in young people struggling with their mental health, and they do not have access to the supportive resources they need,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Especially in our minority and marginalized communities, young people are at higher risk for mental health difficulties due to factors beyond their control.”

Under this new law, the Illinois Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education will provide technical assistance for mental health care during school days to help increase the access students have to mental health services.

This initiative complements the recently launched Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, specifically recommendation five in the report, by identifying and filling in gaps that exist in school-based mental health care. 

“We have a responsibility to our youth to create an environment where young people can thrive, and that includes addressing their unmet mental health needs,” Simmons said. “By strengthening school-based mental health programs, we are able to fill in those gaps.”

Senate Bill 1709 was signed into law on Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Mike Simmons to protect youth survivors from being tried as adults in a number of criminal court cases was signed into law.

“We need to meet youth survivors of human trafficking and other trauma-related cases with support,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “The court system failed to do that for Sara Kruzan, a survivor of child trafficking and the inspiration for this bill. Youth survivors have experienced enough abuse and trauma. This legislation advocates for future survivors by ensuring that court systems consider how the trauma and abuse they experience play a role in their cases.”

Survivor Sara Kruzan was released and pardoned after being sentenced to life at 17 years for acts committed against her abuser, a convicted felon of human trafficking. House Bill 3414 reforms the justice system clarifying whether a minor should be tried as an adult if the crime the minor commits is against someone who was convicted of human trafficking or of a sex crime targeting the minor within the last three years. If that is the case, the court will be able to transfer them to juvenile court.

This law expands the number of factors judges can consider in deciding whether or not to issue an order to prosecute a minor as an adult for a felony offense. These factors include child welfare involvement, mental health issues, having been subject to sexual violence and other trauma, or outside pressure from a minor’s peers, family or community.

“As legislators we have a responsibility to our constituents,” Simmons said. “Advocating for change in the criminal justice system’s treatment of kids, and reforming sentencing practices that ignore the abuse and trauma of trafficking, is part of that.”

House Bill 3414 was signed into law on Friday, June 30. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons championed a new law to make it easier for people with disabilities and senior citizens to keep their free and reduced fare public transportation benefits.

“This law will help those living with disabilities and seniors in the 7th District maintain their access to CTA, Metra and Pace services without worrying about navigating confusing agency renewal policies,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “I want to thank my constituents and the RTA for their hard work in negotiating this legislation so we could remove unnecessary extra steps for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on public transit.”

Senate Bill 1892 provides that Regional Transportation Authority benefits for people with disabilities and senior citizens will, after an initial eligibility determination is made for a Ride Free card, automatically renew every five years after receiving a copy of the individual's government ID to verify their Illinois residency. The law eliminates the need for a customer to recertify their income or disability status.  

Currently RTA’s Ride Free and Reduced Fare cards for CTA, Metra and Pace buses and trains are valid for up to two years. However, this law will automatically renew cards for those who may not be able to travel to a physical location to renew or who do not have the means or access to the internet to renew online.

“Many people in the 7th District rely on our public transportation,” Simmons said. “I am proud this law will ensure public transit services are more accessible and humane for folks who really need it.”

Senate Bill 1892 was signed on Friday, June 30 and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.  

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons championed a new law to improve the quality of life for current affordable housing residents.

“No person should have to be without proper heating and cooling in their home,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Residents deserve an environment that is safe, clean and properly cooled.” 

Senate Bill 2013 is a direct response to the tragic passing of three Rogers Park senior residents who died of suspected heat exhaustion. The law will require any residential building that is state-funded to meet minimum standard of living conditions so they may continue receiving funding from the program.

The measure will require specific air-conditioning and heating provisions to be included in all state-funded affordable housing. Air-conditioning must be operating when the heat index exceeds 80 degrees and must be operable by residents. It also clarifies language in regards to maintenance, upkeep and laundry access.

“Affordable housing residents deserve safe living conditions,” said Simmons. “This means holding our housing programs accountable for equipping their residential buildings with heating and cooling systems, upkeep and maintenance, and adequate property management.”

Senate Bill 2013 was signed into law on Friday, June 30.