Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva
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Villanueva advances measure to protect driving privileges

Details
Category: News
Thursday, May 23, 2024 08:34 PM
  • HB 277
  • Driver's License Suspension

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva advanced a measure to allow driver’s license holders more notice for court appearances prior to suspension.

“By eliminating license suspensions for a failure to appear in court, we are able to more effectively use law enforcement resources,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “A lot of the time, these initial court notices are not reaching people at their correct addresses. It is simply unfair to revoke driving privileges when people are not even getting proper notice.”

Under House Bill 277, if a person fails to appear in court, the court may text, call or email the person's last known contact information with notice regarding the continued court dates. The notice will include a statement that a future failure to appear could result in a warrant or consequences affecting their driving privileges. The current penalty for failure to appear in court is immediate license suspension by the Secretary of State.

“It is imperative we offer drivers the courtesy of an electronic continued court date notice before we issue warrants or license suspension,” said Villanueva. “Individuals who lose their licenses are likely to continue to drive out of necessity, leading to further legal penalties and creating a cycle of legal non-compliance.”

House Bill 277 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.

Villanueva measure to safeguard reproductive health care records passes Senate

Details
Category: News
Thursday, May 23, 2024 12:54 PM
  • Reproductive Rights
  • HB 5239
  • Health Records

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure through the Senate to ensure reproductive health care records are not being improperly disclosed.

“As the war on reproductive rights continues throughout the nation, we must ensure that those who are seeking reproductive health care are protected in every way possible,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “As a safe haven state, we have a responsibility to protect individuals’ rights to care and ensure their health care records remain private.”

Last year Villanueva led House Bill 4664 – a law to shield out-of-state patients and in-state providers from legal action originating from other states regarding abortions performed here.  To expand upon that measure and provide further protections, Villanueva led House Bill 5239 this year.

The measure would ensure that location information and health records for reproductive health care performed in Illinois would not be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Further, it would ensure that units of local governments could not assist in imposing a civil or criminal liability against a person or provider who received reproductive or gender affirming care in Illinois. 

“In the absence of federal protections, state-level protections are essential to counteract restrictive laws in other states,” said Villanueva. “This preventative measure will offer the necessary protection from the overarching laws of other states.”

House Bill 5239 passed Senate Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.

Villanueva champions measure to give first-time offenders a second chance

Details
Category: Information
Friday, May 17, 2024 12:35 PM
  • HB 5285

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Celina Villanueva passed a measure through the Senate to ensure those who plead guilty to a possession charge receive a second chance in exchange for diversion into a probation program.

“Supportive measures like this allow first-time offenders of possession to reintegrate into society with the tools they need to succeed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Harsh penalties only serve to solidify a cycle of recidivism.”

Currently, a person who successfully completes a probation program will have their sentence or conviction vacated. This clean record applies while the person is enrolled in the program as well as for those who successfully complete the program.

House Bill 5285 would protect individuals who plead guilty to a possession charge in exchange for diversion into a probation program with the promise that a felony will not be included on their record upon successful completion of the program. This measure is necessary because background checks often misinterpret diversion into special probation programs as a “conviction.”

“First-time offenders deserve a second chance rather than severe penalties,” said Villanueva. “This measure encourages compassion and restores hope for a society that believes in second chances and recognizes that people can learn from their mistakes and contribute positively to their communities.”

House Bill 5285 passed Senate Thursday and heads to the governor for further consideration.

Villanueva champions measure to enhance Scott’s Law

Details
Category: News
Thursday, May 16, 2024 05:34 PM
  • Scotts law
  • HB 5370

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a measure to protect construction workers by enhancing Scott’s Law.

“By establishing safety measures to further prevent accidents in construction zones, we will guarantee the safety of drivers, emergency responders, and those who work in construction and maintenance zones,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “Enhancing Scott’s Law is a necessary step to prioritizing protection of construction workers and drivers alike.”

Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.

House Bill 5370 would enhance Scott’s Law to require vehicles entering a construction or maintenance zone to reduce speed and change into a lane that is not adjacent to construction workers, when possible.

“Protecting the lives and well-being of workers is essential,” said Villanueva. “These changes to Scott’s Law are crucial to safeguarding the lives of everyone involved.”

House Bill 5370 passed the Senate Wednesday.

More Articles …

  1. Villanueva leads measure to protect the DNA rights of crime victims
  2. Villanueva advances measure to give first-time offenders a second chance
  3. Villanueva advances measure to safeguard reproductive health care records
  4. Villanueva advances measure to enhance Scott’s Law
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  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
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Page 8 of 47

Welcome

Welcome to my official Senate website. This will be your tool for news about what I am doing in Springfield, important information regarding the 12th District and events taking place in and around our community.

It is important to me to have a resource available to my constituents with content necessary to keep you informed as well as a place to have your voice heard. Please continue to visit this site as it grows and see how I am working for you.

— Illinois State Senator Celina Villanueva

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Office Info

Springfield Office:
Stratton Office Building
401 S. Spring St.
Section C, Office M
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-5304

District Office:
2501 S. Central Park Ave.
Front Suite
Chicago, IL 60623
773-565-4661

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