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

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – Federal policy on illegal smuggling and trafficking of exotic animals’ body parts has been strengthened, and Illinois needs to step up as well, according to Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). Illinois prohibited the trade of ivory and rhino horn in 2018, but other animal species continue to face the threat of extinction due to demand. Holmes’ legislation that would lengthen the list of species banned in Illinois passed in the Senate Thursday.

“Species are doomed to extinction if we don’t stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of their body parts,” Holmes said. “Federal policy has been strengthened, and Illinois needs to match that here.”

SPRINGFIELD –There are 17 pet stores in Illinois that offer predatory installment contract loans for the purchase of a cat or dog. House Bill 572, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to prohibit these loans, passed the Senate Commerce Committee today.

“This is predatory lending with interest rates anywhere from 30 to 150 percent and higher,” Holmes said. “Most pet stores have issues with their animals coming from unprincipled breeders and puppy mills, which means many of their customers buy a pet for thousands of dollars that could be in poor health and may possibly die. Those consumers can end up thousands in debt and grieving as well.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure initiated by Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) urging the General Assembly and governor to invest Illinois's transportation and infrastructure dollars as promised under the Rebuild Illinois program passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday.

“Rebuild Illinois started in 2019 as a comprehensive plan to fund infrastructure construction projects throughout the state, and create thousands of jobs and economic development,” Holmes said. “The pandemic has heightened the need for programs like this one, and I want to make certain the Rebuild Illinois funding is protected and not transferred out for something else.”