SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) measure to remove the statute of limitations for any criminal sexual assault was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

A law was enacted in 2017 to remove the statute of limitations for criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse for victims under the age of 18 years old (PA 100-0080). Holmes’ House Bill 2135 removes that limit for all victims.

“In the event of an individual choosing to pursue justice for their attack years after the event, or in situations where an investigation is delayed for some reason, we need to be sure justice is still accessible for any sexual assault victim,” Holmes said. “The possibility of a perpetrator not being brought to justice is a risk to public safety.”

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – After an October report from ProPublica revealed allegations of abuse and neglect of children at the Aurora Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, concerns were heightened about coordination between the Department of Children and Family Services and other state agencies.

State Senator Linda Holmes’ (D-Aurora) House Bill 831 requires better reporting to rectify those cases by requiring DCFS to notify the Director of Public Health and the Director of Healthcare and Family Services when they occur. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law today.

“After DCFS found neglect and sexual abuse by staff, as well as failure to provide a safe environment and monitor these children’s care and medication at this psychiatric hospital, it became obvious more oversight is needed to prevent this from happening,” Holmes said. “Federal and state investigations have revealed these tragedies and we must do everything we can to stop it.”

Read more ...

Aurora, Ill. – State Senator Linda Holmes looks forward to infrastructure improvements locally and statewide after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the $45 billion “Rebuild Illinois” capital funding plan into law today.

“We will finally be able to upgrade our roads, bridges, freight and passenger rail, transit, airports and waterways – which creates good jobs in our communities,” Holmes said. “Having dedicated resources for horizontal and vertical infrastructure projects means this is not just a one or two year plan, but a means for continual modernization.” 

The list of appropriations set for the 42^nd District includes $100 million for the Regional Transportation Authority to extend Metra train service beyond Aurora into Kendall County, bringing public transit to the fastest growing region in Illinois.

“I’ve met so many people who drive in to the Aurora Metra station because there’s no alternative, and I’m so pleased this project will be able to provide better access and reduce highway congestion for commuters,” Holmes said.

Read more ...

SPRINGFIELD – A measure to legalize adult-use cannabis in Illinois, co-sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), was signed into law today by Gov. JB Pritzker. Holmes released the following statement on the law that allow cannabis sales to adults to begin Jan. 1, 2020:

“I believe legalizing adult-use cannabis is the right move for Illinois. The legislation is comprehensive in covering my concerns about prohibiting access to young people, enforcing driving under the influence laws, addressing criminal justice and restoring communities that have endured high crime due to the illegal distribution of cannabis.

Read more ...