Chicago- Piers and public access points to Lake Michigan will soon be safer thanks to a measure advanced by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) that will help install essential rescue equipment was signed into law.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they head to the beach this summer,” Peters said. “I am glad that we are taking this long overdue step to protect our families who visit beaches on Lake Michigan.”

The new law requires owners of piers or drop-offs on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment.  The measure also establishes tracking and reporting requirements for local governments that own a pier or drop-off on Lake Michigan.

Nationally, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 5, the second leading cause for children under 15, and the third leading cause for people under 30.  There are significant disparities between Black and white populations in drowning death rates, with African American males from ages 15 to 19 facing the highest per-capita rates of drowning.

Springfield - Illinois students will soon have more options to protect themselves from falling behind on debt after a measure supported by State Senator Robert Peters became law.

“Student debt has become a systemic issue for our young people and for the economy as a whole,” said Peters (D- Chicago). “As students seek jobs following graduation, it’s important that their debt does not hold them back from opportunities.”

The new law, formerly known as SB 3032, prohibits Illinois higher education institutions from withholding a student's transcript as a means of collecting past-due student debt owed to the institution. Additionally, the measure prevents institutions from withholding a student’s official transcript from a current or potential employer as a means of collecting a student's past debt.

Springfield - A measure to establish a plan for renewable recycling in Illinois, supported by Senator Robert Peters was signed into law.

“As we look to establish green energy sources, we also need to make sure we’re phasing out old technology in a safe and responsible manner,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding renewable recycling in Illinois will both save taxpayers money and ensure that our new investments in clear energy such as solar panels do not become a hazard to the environment.”

The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3790, establishes a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. The Recycling Task Force must investigate options for recycling and other end-of-life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency must provide technical, administrative, and research support to this Task Force. The Task Force will then submit a report of its findings to the General Assembly by July 1, 2025.

Springfield- Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to receiving the financial resources they need to be ready for adulthood thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Robert Peters

“I’m pleased that we are taking this step to ensure that the state will be proactive at helping youth in care build a strong future during their final years of care,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We need to do all we can to ensure that they have access to a financial head start before they have to live on their own.”

The new law, formerly known as SB 3470, will require DCFS to save or invest a minimum percentage of a youth's benefits once they reach the age of 14. This will ensure that when DCFS no longer serves as the financial representative of  the youth, they will have some money to help them transition into a successful adult life.