Sims advances measure to streamline local police investigations

SPRINGFIELD— To address underreported and unsolved missing persons cases, particularly those involving people of color, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. advanced a measure to streamline the investigative process from the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday. 

“It pains me to hear a mother’s cry on national television begging the public for assistance in finding a child that’s gone missing,” said Sims. “The first step is acknowledging the large disparity that exists in the lack of urgency and coverage.”

Senate Bill 3932 would require a coroner or medical examiner with custody of human remains that are not identified within 72 hours of discovery to immediately notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation for assistance in identification.

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Sims moves legislation to protect students and teachers from planned attacks

 SPRINGFIELD—State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) moved legislation to establish the Safe 2 Help Program, a hotline designed to receive reports from the public regarding potential self-harm or criminal acts directed at schools, students or school employees.

“Our number one job is to protect our state’s most vulnerable populations,” said Sims. “This program was introduced to keep our children and schools safe while providing help to those who are battling mental illness.”

Senate Bill 3936, an initiative of Illinois State Police, would require the agency to work collaboratively with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois State Board of Education and Department of Children and Family Services to provide support resources to students and teachers to prevent potential crisis situations.

“We cannot wait for another tragic event to happen in our schools,” said Sims. “This is a key step in the intervention process that will not only protect our students from planned attacks but will also help develop police-community relations.”  

Senate Bill 3936 passed the Senate Education Committee and goes before the full Senate for further consideration.

Sims announces southeast Chicago to receive nearly $1.5 million to help revitalize local businesses

CHICAGO— The Southeast Chicago Chamber of Commerce is set to receive $1,450,000 in grants to revitalize the local business community, thanks to State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago).

The Chamber of Commerce will receive funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Development to enhance and provide additional services to local businesses through its Rebuild Distressed Communities program. The grant is made possible by the state’s historic Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan.

“The key to any building is a strong foundation,” said Sims. “My priority continues to be securing resources for our community and funds to help revitalize the southeast Chicago area is a critical part of this work. These funds will help boost the economy by creating new jobs and business opportunities.”

Projects for fiber optic cable enhancement will repair and improve the surrounding area while increasing economic opportunities for impacted businesses. The projects were evaluated based on project need, capacity, quality and societal impact.

The final round of Rebuild Distressed Communities program provides $976,000 to 26 small businesses and $7.45 million to help revitalize seven commercial corridors located across the state.

For more information on assistance available for small businesses, people can visit DCEO’s website or reach out to Senate Sims’ office at 773-933-7715 or visit www.SenatorElgieSims.com.

Illinois police agencies granted a second deadline to fully implement the SAFE-T Act

CHICAGO — The second trailer bill to the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ SAFE-T Act, championed by State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), which addresses police and sentencing reform, the Illinois cash bail system and violence reduction, was signed into law on Friday.

“I am proud of our continued efforts to reimagine public safety in the state of Illinois,” said Sims. “I appreciate the Governor for signing House Bill 3512 and recognizing that there is still more work to do as we work to change the culture of policing.”

The new laws address implementation challenges with body camera footage labeling, detainee phone calls, officer decertification, and officer training. House Bill 3443, the first trailer bill to the SAFE-T Act, focused on issues that had an implementation date of July 1, 2021.

Implementation dates specific to pretrial services, body camera labeling and officer training were extended to Jan. 1, 2022, and Mandatory Supervised Release and the officer decertification process were extended to July 1, 2022.

“With this, we’re not making any major changes to the original SAFE-T Act, instead, we are granting law enforcement personnel additional time to roll out implementation dates,” said Sims. “We want to give law enforcement agencies our full support in ensuring we get this right for the people in our communities.”

House Bill 3512 was signed into law on Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.