SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a measure to protect minors who are survivors of human trafficking, and other trauma-related factors, from being tried as adults in a number of criminal court cases.

“Survivors of human trafficking should be provided support and empathy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For decades our court systems have failed our youth. It is especially shocking and defies logic that youth who have been forced into abusive relationships and who have been traumatized end up being tried as felons. Trying survivors who are defending themselves while escaping their abusers adds to the trauma they’ve experienced. This is not a humane or civil response to a child who has experienced horrific abuse.”

Inspired by a survivor of child trafficking, Sara Kruzan, who was released and pardoned after being sentenced to life at 17 years of age, House Bill 3414 would reform the justice system to clarify whether a minor should be tried as an adult in a self defense act if the court finds through the evidence that it is highly and substantially more true than not that the abuser/trafficker committed sex and trafficking offenses against the minor within 3 years of the minor's conviction for the self defense act. If that is the case, the court would be able to transfer them to juvenile court.

This bill would also expand the number of factors judges can consider in deciding whether or not to issue an order to prosecute a minor as an adult for a felony offense. These factors include child welfare involvement, mental health issues, having been subject to sexual violence and other trauma, or outside pressure from a minor’s peers, family or community.

“This legislation protects future survivors,” Simmons said. “A survivor of child sex trafficking has already experienced unimaginable trauma and we need our court systems to compassionately consider how that plays a role in their cases.”

House Bill 3414 passed the Senate.  

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ bill expanding coverage for preventative screenings for liver disease advanced out of the House on Monday, May 8.

“Liver disease is a silent killer and leading cause of death in the United States,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will help improve health outcomes for people who are both underinsured and at-risk for liver disease.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease, ages 35-65 years old. Those screenings can include high-quality preventative screenings such as liver ultrasounds, liver function tests, and other screenings that can help with early detection and management of liver disease.

According to the CDC, in 2021, 56,585 adults in the U.S. died from liver disease, making it the ninth leading cause of death.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons. “This bill will prevent avoidable and premature deaths by providing equitable preventive health care, especially for those who struggle with substance abuse and addiction.”

Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 1282 will be sent to the governor for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons led an initiative to lower the speed limit on highways with designated bicycle lanes to reduce bicycle accidents on roads.

“We want everyone to be safe on the roads,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This means drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.”

House Bill 2131 creates the Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force, which will report a detailed analysis of existing practices around speed limits, reduction of speed limits, steps to eliminate vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle fatalities on roads, and the impact of local bicycle and pedestrian plans.

“Cycling infrastructure throughout the state could use improvement, but we also know that speed is a leading factor in vehicular casualties,” said Simmons. “Reducing speed near these designated bicycle lanes helps create more cyclists-friendly communities.”

Senator Simmons has also sponsored Senate transportation bills regarding bike safety. Senate Bill 1710 requires the installation of signage along with bike paths warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 150 feet ahead of an intersection. In addition, Senate Simmons’ Senate Bill 2278 helps plan for complete streets for bikes, pedestrians and public transit riders by providing that local governments will not be required to design, construct, or widen a non-highway state road to accommodate large trucks. 

House Bill 2131 passed with bipartisan support in the Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – To establish a rebate program for e-bike purchases in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons brought forth a bill in a subject matter hearing in the Senate Revenue Committee.

“We must use every resource available to reduce carbon emissions,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Providing incentives for e-bike purchases complements our existing plans to bring one million electric vehicles online across Illinois by 2030. I was proud to represent this important issue in the Revenue hearing.”

Subject matter hearings on revenue matters help inform deliberations as the final Fiscal Year 24 budget is crafted in the coming weeks. 

Senate Bill 2015 expands the Electric Vehicle Rebate Act to include rebates for the purchase of new or used electric bikes. This will encourage the purchase and use of electric bicycles and help reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector within Illinois. The rebates would be targeted for lower-income earners modeled after Colorado’s new program. 

“More people are moving to electric vehicles – cities are replacing diesel bus fleets with electric buses, and motorists are choosing to use public transit and bikes to commute. E-Bikes provide a sustainable and motorized transit option that is quick, efficient, and green,” said Simmons. 

Simmons has also introduced SB1864, ambitious legislation that would accelerate the timeline for bringing online a fully electric bus fleet for the Regional Transit Authority, including the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace transit systems. His e-bike proposal is another proposal that advances improvements in sustainability, accessibility, and equity in our transportation systems. 

“Offering a rebate to Illinois residents for purchasing e-bikes will make this practical, sustainable mode of travel more accessible to those who could not otherwise afford an e-bike. More trips made by e-bike, instead of a motor vehicle, will have a positive impact on individuals, families and the communities in which they live. For these reasons and more, Ride Illinois and the Active Transportation Alliance are proud to voice our support of SB2015,” said Dave Simmons, Executive Director for Ride Illinois. 

Currently forty states define electric bicycles using the three-class system. States using the three-tiered e-bike classification system, such as Illinois, have it so e-bike users are exempt from registration, licensure, or insurance requirements. In states where e-bikes are classified as mopeds or scooters, they usually require licensing and registration. These rebates would encourage more people in Illinois to purchase and use e-bikes, and those without a license in Illinois may still operate an e-bike under the three-class system.  

For more information on the bills Simmons is sponsoring and where they are in the legislative process, visit here.