Peters’ new Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act takes effect on Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – Financial penalties for civil rights violations will increase starting Jan. 1 under the new Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act that State Senator Robert Peters championed.

“In previous court rulings, Illinois has been prevented from intervening in discriminatory damages and relief – this measure eliminates the red tape,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We can’t put a price on mending the emotional trauma endured as a result of discrimination but we can ensure we provide substantial support to enable those suffering a firm financial footing on their restorative journey.”

This act was created in response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller, P.L.L.C. that ruled emotional distress damages are not recoverable in a private action under the anti-discrimination provisions of either the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Peters’ new law allows state claims for violations of federal civil rights laws to be heard in any court with jurisdiction. The measure also allows Illinois courts to award no less than $4,000 in damages or other relief for violations, including damages for past, current and future monetary losses, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and other non-monetary losses.

“The Civil Rights Remedies Restoration Act restores the rights first won 50 years ago for people with disabilities within Illinois,” said Senior Attorney Charles Petrof of Access Living. “The passage of this act demonstrates that Illinois is committed to honoring and continuing the legacy of the disability rights movement.”

House Bill 2248 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Beginning Jan. 1, Peters’ new law redefines delinquent minor

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the Illinois Supreme Court decision in The People of the State of Illinois v. Kelan W., State Senator Robert Peters’ new law changing the definition of a delinquent minor takes effect on Jan. 1.

“Illinois has worked hard to become a leader in clear and equitable measures to protect vulnerable communities, especially our youth,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “I am proud to help build on that reputation with this law by preventing an overreach of an outside state and put a stop to undue prosecution of minors in Illinois.”

Signed by Governor JB Pritzker on June 9, 2023, Peters lead the passage of House Bill 2223 through the Senate. This new law prevents a minor from being subject to Illinois court proceedings for behavior deemed unlawful by another state’s laws despite the action being legal in Illinois.

In The People of the State of Illinois v. Kelan W., a 16-year-old boy stole a vehicle in Missouri and used it to drive to Illinois, where Kelan resides. The Illinois court system petitioned to charge Kelan as a delinquent minor based on the carjacking taking place in Missouri and under Illinois laws against unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle. The Illinois Supreme Court allowed Kelan to be tried for violating both states’ laws.

Under Peters’ law, a minor will only be subject to Illinois delinquency proceedings for violations of Illinois law committed in Illinois.

“We must remain proactive in reforming policies that threaten Illinois’ ability to handle our own court proceedings,” said Peters. “Implementing clear and equitable measures helps prevent our most vulnerable youth from the possibility of being disproportionately impacted by the justice system.”

House Bill 2223 takes effect Jan. 1.

Hospital patients to be connected to financial assistance thanks to Peters law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to help connect hospital patients to financial assistance for medical costs spearheaded by State Senator Robert Peters is set to take effect on Jan. 1.

“These days, even people with medical insurance are financially deterred from seeking medical attention and preventative care,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This new law will improve health outcomes in all of our communities by alleviating financial burdens associated with costly medical care costs.”

The law will require hospitals to screen a patient for financial assistance eligibility and to exhaust all cost-reducing avenues before taking a collection action against the patient. Additionally, the measure will provide a 90-day window for a patient to apply for financial assistance or hospital-provided discounts after receiving care.

Peters passage of House Bill 2719 is in response to the disconnect between health institutions and the resources needed to inform their clients of helpful financial assistance programs.

Peters in favor of diversified paid tech trainee program

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters, an advocate of workforce training programs, expressed his support Thursday after the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology announced the launch of their paid trainee program designed to build a diversified pipeline of tech talent to address the increasing need for professionals in the tech industry.

“Paid workforce training is invaluable for so many residents here in the city,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “When trainee programs are paid, they support workforce equity and diversity initiatives giving disinvested communities opportunities they haven’t had before.”

Trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 from DoIT while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas: cybersecurity, networking, coding and database, end user computing and enterprise infrastructure. Additional tracks will be added as the program grows. Trainees will also receive formal mentoring from current DoIT employees and be offered a full-time job with DoIT after completing the program and meeting its benchmarks.

Cohorts will begin with initial classes of 20 participants, with additional cohorts launching as needed. DoIT will partner with City Colleges of Chicago to provide a Chicago-based training site. Applicants should apply online at DoIT.illinois.gov or plan to attend the recruitment event on Friday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City College’s Harold Washington campus in Chicago.

“This expansion of tech training opportunities will help grow our economy meeting the increasing demand for skilled tech professionals,” said Peters. “I look forward to seeing the reach and fruits of this program.”

For additional information on the trainee program, applicant criteria, and upcoming hiring events, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..