New Legislation Would Require Law Enforcement in IL to Coordinate with ICE
With public safety a top priority, Illinois Senate Republicans unveiled new legislation during the week that would close critical gaps in state immigration policies, which currently allow undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes to remain in Illinois.
Senate Bill 1313, sponsored by Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia), requires state law enforcement to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify, report, and deport undocumented individuals who commit serious offenses—such as violent crimes, drug offenses, and sex crimes—ensuring their removal from Illinois to enhance public safety.
Republicans say the legislation exposes a glaring contradiction in Governor J.B. Pritzker’s stance on public safety. Despite his public claim that “violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported,” the TRUST Act he supports ties the hands of law enforcement, preventing them from working with federal authorities to deport most offenders. Republicans argue this hypocrisy endangers public safety and leaves Illinois families vulnerable to dangerous repeat offenders.
State Senator Terri Bryant also filed Senate Bill 1316 to repeal the TRUST Act, which restricts state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration officials except under narrow circumstances, like when a federal warrant is issued.
Senator Bryant says that by removing these restrictions and enhancing coordination with ICE, Republicans believe law enforcement will be better equipped to remove undocumented felons and improve public safety.
Senate Republicans urge Governor JB Pritzker and Democrat lawmakers to support these measures to prevent violent criminals from staying in Illinois.
Ending The Silence: New Legislation Seeks to Address Sexual Assault in Schools
Legislation aimed at holding students accountable for committing sexual assault in schools has been filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield).
Senate Bill 98 mandates that any student found guilty of sexual assault, sexual violence, or engaging in sexual activity without consent at a school or school-affiliated event be expelled for at least one year.
The bill was introduced following an incident in the Taylorville school district, where a young girl was sexually assaulted, and the attacker was only moved to an alternative school after the victim’s mother pursued legal action. The proposed legislation seeks to protect victims and ensure offenders face appropriate consequences while also offering a path for rehabilitation for juvenile offenders.
Under the bill’s provisions, students found guilty of sexual assault or violence at school or related events will face a minimum one-year expulsion. This mirrors existing expulsion policies for weapons violations, ensuring a consistent and firm response to serious misconduct.
The legislation underscores the need for safe learning environments and accountability for offenders. It addresses gaps in current policies by establishing clearer consequences for sexual assault and ensuring schools take appropriate action to protect students.
The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) has endorsed the bill, highlighting its potential to improve how schools handle sexual assault, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Additionally, State Senator Terri Bryant has introduced Senate Bill 168, which strengthens protections against sexual abuse in schools by creating the offense of abuse by an educator or authority figure. Inspired by discussions with students in her Youth Advisory Council, the bill ensures that educators who abuse their positions of trust face serious criminal penalties, closing loopholes that have allowed misconduct to go unpunished.
Illinois Nears the Bottom in National Education Freedom Rankings
A recently released report ranks Illinois as 38th in the nation for education freedom. The 2025 Index of State Education Freedom by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), gives the state a “D” grade, due in part to the end of the Invest in Kids program, which provided scholarships for low-income students. Illinois did receive an “A” for its supportive homeschooling environment.
The index evaluates states on school choice, charter schools, homeschooling, virtual schooling, and financing programs that allow funding to follow students. Top-ranking states include Florida, Arizona, and Arkansas, while New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon ranked lowest.
State Senator Terri Bryant believes that Illinois desperately needs to launch a new program similar to “Invest in Kids,” to help students in failing schools by offering them a choice to attend another school where they can succeed and thrive.
Illinois Struggles with High Unemployment and Lagging Job Growth
Illinois’ job market remains sluggish, with an unemployment rate of 5.2% in December, the third highest in the nation. Approximately 340,000 residents were actively seeking work, outpacing only California and Nevada in unemployment. The national rate was 4.1%.
In 2024, Illinois added 56,000 jobs, but its growth rate of 0.92% lagged behind the national average of 1.42%. The state saw gains in government jobs and private education and health services, but key sectors such as manufacturing and finance experienced declines.
Illinois’ post-pandemic recovery remains weak, ranking 46th in the nation with only a 0.25% increase in jobs since January 2020. High taxes, a burdensome business environment, and rising housing costs are contributing to the state’s sluggish economic performance.
State Senator Terri Bryant believes the key to reversing Illinois’ sluggish job market lies in comprehensive tax reform and fiscal responsibility, emphasizing the need to lower taxes, simplify regulations, and address the state’s budget and pension issues. By providing real relief to businesses and working families, Illinois can foster job growth, attract skilled workers, and restore economic vitality.
Bryant relaunches Valentines for Seniors
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, State Senator Terri Bryant is once again holding her “Valentines for Seniors” card drive to help uplift the spirits of long-term care and assisted-living facility residents.
Senator Bryant is encouraging churches, schools, and community members of the 58th Senate District to write Valentine’s Day cards that can be dropped off or mailed to one of her district offices in either Murphysboro or Mt. Vernon. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to the various long-term care facilities that make up the district.
The cards, featuring messages of kindness and respect, will be collected and delivered to local care facilities, spreading joy and brightening the days of elderly residents. Senator Bryant says this effort will also strengthen the bond between generations, as younger community members actively show appreciation for those who have paved the way.
Cards can be dropped off from now until February 7th at Senator Turner’s district offices, which are located at 1032 W. Industrial Park Rd., Murphysboro, IL 62966 and 2929 Broadway St., Suite 3, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.
