Holmes plan would provide more advocates for abused animals in court

• Court Advocates
• SB153
• Abused Animals

SPRINGFIELD – Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora)’s measure to add more safeguards in the courts for abused animals has passed the Illinois Senate.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 153, which would give trial courts discretion in prosecutions for cruelty to companion animals to appoint a supervised law student to assist the court as a special advocate.

“Animal abuse cases may end in dismissed charges or reduced sentences for animal owners accused of cruelty, often because prosecutors have good intentions but not enough resources for research and information to make a strong case,” Holmes said. “These advocates can aid the courts in working for consistent reinforcement of Illinois’ mandate to properly protect companion animals.”

Holmes also pointed out there is a well-documented cycle of violence between those who abuse humans and those who abuse animals. Domestic violence perpetrators have a history of animal cruelty in their pasts, as do murderers, so bringing animal abusers to justice could help save human lives.

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Holmes pushes to make notarization more convenient and safe electronically

• E-Notary
• Electronic Notarization
• SB2664

SPRINGFIELD – The work of Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) and an Electronic Notarization Task Force produced a report detailing the benefits for Illinoisans that was provided to the governor and General Assembly, and its findings led to a measure sponsored by Holmes and passed by the Illinois Senate.

Senate Bill 2664 will set the standards for appointment as an electronic notary, creates definitions for electronic notarization; codifies best practices of the National Association of Notaries for electronic notarization; and implements safeguards to ensure the integrity of the technology and the process of electronic notarization.

“I was convinced this was a step to update a process many people use but sometimes can’t find a notary nearby; over the past year, the need for a convenient, protected method for notarization for businesses and consumers became even more obvious,” Holmes said. “I’m pleased that Speaker Chris Welch has picked up this bill as chief sponsor in the House.”

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Holmes measure provides tenants in affordable housing the right to keep pets

• Affordable Housing
• Household Pets
• SB154

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent families from having to give up beloved pets to find affordable housing, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has moved a measure through the Senate to allow tenants to keep at least two common household pets, regardless of breed, size or weight, in their residence.

“Eighty-one million American households now share their homes with 173 million dogs and cats,” Holmes said. “Regardless of their income, people love their pets and view them as members of the family. Affordable housing should be accessible for all types of people, and that includes people with pets.”

Senate Bill 154 would prevent landlords from enacting policies that prohibit pets of a specific breed, size or weight, addressing a problem for many renters who face giving away or surrendering a pet to a shelter if they must move. The legislation applies to units funded under the Illinois Housing Development Authority Trust Fund.

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Holmes welcomes early childhood education, child care funding

• Early Childhood Education
• Child Care
• Federal Aid

Last Friday, I was pleased to join Governor Pritzker with Aurora and other area advocates and professionals to announce $1.6 billion in federal aid to increase access to high quality early childhood education and child care.

Child care providers will receive $140 million in direct grants in coming weeks, and the administration announced a network of early-childhood planning councils to launch statewide.

Child care providers have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. It’s been helpful to provide some financial relief, and now to receive this federal funding as well. They will continue to need support to help us ensure all families have access to affordable, reliable child care.

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