Carbondale Reporter

Illinois Senate Republicans have introduced new legislation aimed at addressing gaps in state immigration policies and public safety concerns. Senate Bill 1313, sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson, seeks to require state law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, report, and deport undocumented individuals who commit serious offenses such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes.

Republicans argue that this legislation highlights a contradiction in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s public safety stance. Despite his statement that “violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported,” they claim the TRUST Act he supports limits law enforcement's ability to collaborate with federal authorities for deportation purposes.

State Senator Terri Bryant has also filed Senate Bill 1316 to repeal the TRUST Act. According to Senator Bryant, removing these restrictions would enhance coordination with ICE and improve public safety by allowing law enforcement to remove undocumented felons more effectively.

In another legislative effort, State Senator Steve McClure has proposed Senate Bill 98 to address sexual assault in schools. This bill mandates expulsion for at least one year for any student found guilty of sexual assault or related offenses at school events. The initiative follows an incident in the Taylorville school district where a victim had to pursue legal action after her attacker was only moved to an alternative school.

The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) has endorsed this bill for its potential impact on how schools handle sexual assault cases and support survivors.

Additionally, State Senator Terri Bryant introduced Senate Bill 168 aimed at strengthening protections against sexual abuse in schools by establishing penalties for educators or authority figures abusing their positions of trust.

A recent report ranks Illinois as 38th in the nation for education freedom according to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The state's low ranking is partly attributed to the end of the Invest in Kids program which provided scholarships for low-income students. State Senator Terri Bryant advocates launching a similar program to offer students alternatives if they are attending failing schools.

Illinois continues facing economic challenges with an unemployment rate of 5.2% as of December—one of the highest nationally—and job growth lagging behind other states since January 2020. State Senator Terri Bryant emphasizes comprehensive tax reform as essential for reversing these trends by lowering taxes and simplifying regulations.

As Valentine's Day approaches, State Senator Terri Bryant is organizing her annual "Valentines for Seniors" card drive. She encourages community members from her district to write cards that will be delivered to residents of long-term care facilities before February 7th.