Cervantes law bans video calls while driving starting Jan. 1

• HB 2431
• Driving Safety
• Distracted Driving
• Video Calling

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Javier Cervantes prohibits people from using social media or video calling apps while driving in Illinois starting Jan. 1.

“I am proud of the collaborative work we have done to protect Illinois drivers and ensure safe practices while driving in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This law will take action against drivers who neglectfully put others’ lives at risk. I want to thank community advocates and the Secretary of State’s office for working with us to protect Illinois residents.”

House Bill 2431 prohibits the use of any electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the law prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

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Cervantes advances bill to protect marginalized employees

• Immigrant Employees
• Employment
• SB 508

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing his advocacy for immigrant employees following the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 1515 earlier this summer, State Senator Javier Cervantes brought forth a new plan that would protect marginalized workers and give employees time to correct employment verification document discrepancies before an enforcement action is taken against them.

“Throughout my years working alongside labor and health care organizations, I have seen employees hurt by this process,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “In working with the governor’s office and advocacy groups, we are confident we have come up with a plan that will protect employees and work for everyone involved in the verification process.”

Currently, federal immigration law requires employers to verify the legal work status of their employees through the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares information from an employee’s I-9 Form to records available to the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm eligibility. If discrepancies are found, immigrant workers have the possibility of receiving a “no match” letter for a variety of reasons, including instances where the individual changed their name due to marriage. Many employers terminate employees who receive this notice, even though they could be legally working in the United States.

Senate Bill 508 would prevent employers from imposing work authorization verification requirements that are greater than those required by federal law and give employees time to correct documentation discrepancies. The new legislation would require employers, upon finding a discrepancy in verification information, to notify the employee that the federal or State agency has notified the employer and the time period the employee has to contest the information. The employee would be given an explanation of the discrepancy and retain the right to have a representative present for meetings related to employment verification. Employers would be barred from taking any adverse action against the employee based on the notification.

Senate Bill 508 would also require employers to notify each employee of upcoming inspections of employment records from federal entities such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement within five business days of the employer receiving notice – both in English and any language commonly used in the workplace. Upon receipt of the results of an employment records inspection, employees would retain the right to correct discrepancies within a designated time period and the right to have a representative present during any meetings with the employer.

“I am passionate about protecting folks who work and live legally in Illinois and follow all the rules to ensure their right to work,” Cervantes said. “Advancing this legislation marks a significant step toward protecting employees working legally in Illinois who may be fearful of their job security.”

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Cervantes announces funding for mental health services in Cicero schools

• Schools
• Mental Health
• Cicero

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes announced that the Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded more than $175,000 to Cicero School District 99 to support post-pandemic child and adolescent health.

“During and after the pandemic, our youth have had a hard time readjusting to everyday learning and school environments,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This funding will help communities like ours combat the mental health crisis in our schools and ensure kids across Illinois get the help they need to succeed.”

The grant – funded primarily from the CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding program – is intended to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma, and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.

Projects funded through the program incorporate a diverse set of strategies to strengthen mental health services for students across Illinois. These include developing student support programs and offering specialized curriculums in areas like stress management and nutrition; providing mental health training, education and support for teachers and all school personnel;

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Senator Cervantes calls for After School Program funding

• Schools
• After School Programs

Last week I stood with advocates in full support of making sure we have funding for after-school programs in Illinois. As a parent myself, I know exactly how important it is to have safe and reliable programs that students and families can count on at the end of the school day. We have to keep this program funded so our children have a safe haven to grow and succeed in life toward a brighter future. Watch more below.