SPRINGFIELD — An initiative from State Senator Robert Peters aims to raise the minimum age at which minors can be detained and limit the use of detention in certain situations where the minor is not charged with a violent crime, making it clear the state is moving away from harsh detention practices and prioritizing rehabilitation.

“Our juvenile justice system should focus on rehabilitation over punishment,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By raising the age at which a minor can be detained and emphasizing alternative methods, we’re giving young people a fair chance at reformation without subjecting them to the damaging effects of detention at an early age.”

Peters’ measure makes numerous improvements to Illinois’ juvenile justice system. First, the bill raises the age at which a minor may be detained from 10 years old to 12 years old in 2026 and then to 13 years old – in some situations – in 2027. Through the measure, arrest would only be used as a last resort and under strict conditions, and minors can only be detained if there is probable cause to believe they are delinquent and that immediate and urgent detention is necessary, or if they have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters is protecting workers and keeping Illinois’ economy moving with a new pilot program that would ensure unions, employers and public agencies can resolve disputes quickly – even as the federal mediation system faces major cuts.

“With the federal mediation system stretched thin, our pilot program would make sure our state’s workers and employers still have access to trained mediators who can help resolve conflicts quickly and fairly,” said Peters (D-Chicago), chair of the Senate Labor Committee. “This is about giving people a path toward solutions without costly disruptions that affect our residents.” 

Peters’ measure would create the Labor Mediation Services Pilot Program to be used in place of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service when the federal program is not available. The FMCS is a small, independent federal agency that provides mediation, training and facilitation to resolve labor-management disputes – disagreements between unions and employers. These efforts help avoid costly disruptions in production, services and supply chains, ensuring economic stability and growth.

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement in response to a jury finding Sean Grayson guilty in the murder of Sonya Massey:

“Sonya Massey’s murder – in her own home – was cruel and unjustified. While nothing will ever bring Sonya back, this verdict is a critical step for addressing systemic racism in law enforcement.

“I stand with Sonya’s family, who have been forced to face the very real and very traumatizing effects of police brutality on Black communities. They deserve better – they deserve for Sonya to be here today – and I remain committed to doing the necessary work to make sure this does not become reality for any other family in our state.”  

CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters is calling on the federal administration to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that, with the federal government remaining shutdown, no SNAP benefits will be issued on Nov. 1,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This is devastating news not just for my constituents – including over 17,000 children and 9,000 seniors – but for every single one of the 42 million Americans who rely on these benefits for access to nutritional food.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown – exacerbated by the administration’s unwillingness to compromise on critical funding needed for various programs – threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity, including the 50,329 people in the district Peters represents who rely on SNAP benefits.