SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) carries on her attention to legislation supporting animal welfare with House Bill 168 in the Illinois Senate this week, allowing a court to prohibit an animal abuser from owning or living with others who own animals.

“Individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses like torture, mutilation and animal fighting have proven they should have no privilege to own an animal for a reasonable period of time,” Holmes said. “Sadly, just as some people who are domestic violence perpetrators continue their behavior, animal abusers may have multiple offenses. No animal should be subjected to this violence.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) recently honored five Aurora-area high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

Joins IDOT to “Go Orange” during Transportation Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD – To help increase awareness of the avoidable dangers in work zones and to honor those workers who have died in work zones accidents throughout Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) reminds drivers to be more aware during the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.

Bridges and buildings throughout the state will be turning orange this week to honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as IDOT signals the start of another construction season.

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.