Simmons Passes Expansion to Jett Hawkins Act Protecting Religious Hairstyles Through the Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate on Wednesday that would expand the 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in private schools throughout the state.
“I fought hard to pass the Jett Hawkins Act,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Now, Illinois is expanding protections to include hairstyles and facial hair in public schools specific to Jewish faith and tradition, specifically the Orthodox tradition, as a condition of registration or recognition with ISBE or the State.”
Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, non-religious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.
Simmons, Syed outline plan to ban junk fees for Illinois renters
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SPRINGFIELD – In light of the rising cost of living nationwide, State Senator Mike Simmons joined State Representative Nabeela Syed at a press conference Thursday to highlight legislation that would help ensure the renting process is transparent and fair.
“Renters across my district need transparency when they are searching for housing,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By removing junk fees and requiring leases to list all applicable fees on the front page, we are giving tenants the information they need to rent fairly.”
Under Simmons’ bill, landlords wouldn’t be able to charge tenants for 11 types of fees, including modifying or renewing a lease, for the receipt of an eviction notice unless it is granted, for routine maintenance and upkeep, for pest abatement and removal, or for contacting the building owner or property manager.
Senator Simmons and AIDS Foundation Chicago Urge Investments in HIV Care and Prevention
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons was joined by legislators and advocates from the AIDS Foundation Chicago at a press conference Wednesday to rally behind Senate Bill 2814, his budget proposal that would bolster HIV and AIDS services in Illinois amid federal health care cuts.
“I reject any reduced quality of life for a person living with HIV/AIDS,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For the fourth year in a row, I will be fighting for a budget that includes funding for HIV prevention and treatment, and helps us get to zero new HIV/AIDS diagnoses by 2030.”
Community leaders, health care providers and legislators joined Simmons to call for swift action to protect HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services in Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Advocates outlined the need to reinforce HIV/AIDS funding outlined in Senate Bill 2814, including funding for critical outreach to minority populations, supportive housing programs and more.
Simmons’ Expands Jett Hawkins Act to Protect Religious Hairstyles in Public Schools
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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Simmons passed SB3361 out of committee on Tuesday, a bill that would expand on his 2022 Jett Hawkins Act to include protections for religious hairstyles in public schools throughout the state.
“Jett Hawkins was 4 years old when I passed this law to protect any child and student who chose to wear their hair in a style that is traditionally non-white,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Today, it is necessary to add to this law by including protections for hairstyles and facial hair that reflect religious expression and continue supporting inclusion in education across Illinois.”
Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3361, would require private, nonreligious schools to affirm they will not prohibit religious hairstyles or hair-related religious practices, including facial hair worn pursuant to a student’s or employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs, in order to register with the Illinois State Board of Education.
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