SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure to secure petitioning eligibility for restraining orders during criminal proceedings.

“Victims of abuse deserve to feel safe, dignified and protected from their abusers through every step of the formal legal process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By allowing victims to petition for an order of protection during criminal proceedings, we can minimize victims’ trauma and stress by providing immediate safety from further harm or harassment.”

Peters’ measure would build on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which currently prohibits orders of protection from being denied solely based on the incarceration status of either the petitioner or the respondent, ensuring the logistical timing of incarceration does not outweigh victims’ access to legal protections.

SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker delivered the State of the State address, including his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, on Wednesday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Across the nation, we’re seeing attempts from the Trump administration to stall federal funding for critical services and essential infrastructure, including emergency grants, transportation aid, investments in safety-net hospitals and more.

“At a time when federal uncertainty is causing us to navigate funding in new and practical ways, affordability must be at the forefront for Illinois’ residents. As our neighbors face fears regarding the rising cost of living, I remain committed to advocating for investments that prioritize the stability of our state’s workers, families and students – from heightening labor protections to fully-equipping after-school and violence prevention programs.”

SPRINGFIELD — Artificial intelligence has been a source of consumers’ data and privacy concerns for over a decade, but in recent years, a new branch has started to stem from these concerns, as reports indicate stores may be using AI-gathered personal data to charge customers more for goods and services. To protect Illinoisans from this practice – known as surveillance-based discrimination – State Senator Robert Peters has introduced legislation that would block the use of modern technology to set personalized prices or wages.

“The Surveillance-Based Price and Wage Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect our residents from price gouging, wage discrimination and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “At a time when corporations are prioritizing profits and shareholder wealth over consumer affordability and worker pay, this measure would secure the finances, data privacy and equality of all Illinoisans.” 

Surveillance pricing and wage data includes personal information such as browsing history or behavioral patterns, and companies typically collect and analyze the data using AI and algorithms to charge personal prices for customers or set personal wage rates for gig workers – like Uber drivers.  Peters’ measure aims to limit the use of surveillance data in the state, preventing companies from prioritizing maximum profits at the expense of individual privacy and dignity.

CHICAGO — Thanks to strong support from State Senator Robert Peters, the Chicago Park District received $600,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant for Northerly Island Park.

“This program has been essential for bridging equity gaps in community green spaces, providing critical funding for safe and equitable outdoor areas in neighborhoods that have, historically, been underserved,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “OSLAD grants help directly combat disparities in health, public safety and climate change that disproportionately affect the Black and brown communities in our state.” 

OSLAD – one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois – is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.