Peters-backed bill shining light on violent crime investigations clears Senate

SPRINGFIELD — To improve public trust in law enforcement and tackle low homicide clearance rates, State Senator Robert Peters advanced an initiative that would require regular, transparent reporting on the progress of violent crime investigations. 

“Communities deserve to know how violent crimes are being handled,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “House Bill 1710 is how we close the gap between justice promised and justice delivered and build accountability.”  

Under the measure, the Illinois State Police would provide a report offering detailed data on homicides and aggravated assaults involving firearms to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority by Sept. 1, 2026, and every four months after. These reports would track key metrics such as arrest numbers, cases referred for prosecution and the reasons why cases remain unsolved, providing a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement.

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Peters advances measure ensuring equal pay and fair treatment on the job

SPRINGFIELD — Across Illinois, workers are showing up, doing the job and still being paid less – simply because they are a woman or a person of color. A measure from State Senator Robert Peters looks to change that by holding businesses accountable and making sure workers are paid what they are owed.

“People are tired of being shortchanged – especially women and people of color,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill ensures companies can’t hide behind loopholes or changing federal rules to avoid treating workers fairly.”

House Bill 2488 strengthens two of Illinois’ most important worker protection laws: the Equal Pay Act and the Prevailing Wage Act. Under current law, only certain businesses have to report whether they pay workers fairly based on gender and race. Under Peters’ bill, all businesses covered by state law would have to submit a clear statement to the Department of Labor, showing they are not underpaying women or people of color doing the same jobs as others.

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Peters condemns fatal D.C. shooting of Israeli Embassy aides

CHICAGO — On Wednesday night, two Israeli Embassy aides were fatally shot in Washington, D.C. In response, State Senator Robert Peters released the following statement:

“Last night’s murder of Israeli Embassy staff outside the Capital Jewish Museum was a horrifying act of antisemitic terror. My deepest condolences are with victims’ loved ones and the American Jewish Committee community.

“Antisemitism is vile and dangerous. We must fight it wherever it festers.”

Peters’ bill to reinforce DCFS as family support agency heads to governor

SPRINGFIELD — Seeking to reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation aiming to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency.

“DCFS should be a source of help for families in need, not a force of intimidation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill would create a necessary boundary to ensure families in crisis are met with care, not criminalization.”

Peters’ measure would remove the department’s statutory authority to appoint personnel to act as peace officers in counties with more than 500,000 people. Instead, it would reaffirm that any law enforcement needs involving DCFS would be handled by local or state police.

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