SPRINGFIELD – Taking a step forward to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and incarcerated individuals, State Senator Willie Preston’s law addressing indecent exposure in correctional facilities goes into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“We must ensure a safe and respectful environment for every individual held or employed in correctional facilities,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Indecent exposure within these facilities is a violation of human dignity and a blight on our justice system. Women, especially, are targets of this inappropriate behavior. Through this law, we will be able to address and eradicate these gender targeted incidents, fostering a secure environment for employees and individuals in the state’s care.”

This law amends the Criminal Code of 2012 to create the offense of “lewd sexual display in a penal institution,” making it a Class A misdemeanor for incarcerated individuals to expose themselves with the purpose or effect of intimidating, harassing or threatening someone. Repeat offenders face more severe penalties, with subsequent violations being considered Class 4 felonies. The provisions will also allow for thorough review of annual reports provided by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority in 2028.

Brought forth by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the new law mirrors penalties for public indecency but changes the penalties given the context and motivation of the crime. It excludes juvenile detention facilities, individuals under the age of 18 and those living with a behavioral health issue.

House Bill 1399 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – A law championed by State Senator Willie Preston requiring the Secretary of State to provide previously incarcerated individuals with an Illinois ID upon their release goes into effect Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

“We are offering a lifeline to individuals who have paid their debt to society,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Access to valid identification isn’t just about a card; it’s a key to unlocking opportunities, restoring dignity and rebuilding lives. This law ensures individuals aren’t faced with unfair barriers while reentering our communities.”

The new law requires the Secretary of State to provide individuals committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections or the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice with a valid ID after receiving the individual’s birth certificate, social security card, photograph and proof of residency upon discharge.

The corrections agencies are required to help the individual obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate and social security card. If, for any reason, an individual does not receive an ID, they must be provided with information on how to obtain an ID at least 45 days prior to their discharge.

“This important legislation ensures everyone leaving Illinois correctional facilities will have a state ID to help them reintegrate into the community,” said Reverend Lindsey Hammond, Restore Justice Policy Director. “Restore Justice has heard far too many stories, including from our staff members, about the difficulty of obtaining an ID. This is frustrating for people who are eager to restart their lives and contribute to their communities. Thank you, Senator Willie Preston, Representative Cyril Nichols and all of the bill’s co-sponsors for supporting people coming home and their families.”

The Policy Manager at Restore Justice, James Swansey, returned home from prison three years ago and knows how important it is for Illinois to prioritize re-entry services and resources.

“Coming home after prison, whether someone spent decades or years incarcerated, is an incredibly difficult process,” said Swansey. “You are starting over. It can be difficult to find a job and a place to live, and it is challenging to navigate a changed world. By making it easier for people to secure IDs and start the process of adjusting to life at home, Illinois is helping people be successful.”

House Bill 3345 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

CHICAGO – As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, State Senator Willie Preston is encouraging residents to schedule regular screenings.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than just wearing pink,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This month is about creating access to information followed by action. Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer.”

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 20 to 59, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Women over the age of 45 are encouraged to receive regular mammograms. They are also encouraged to consult with their health care provider about risk factors and whether additional breast cancer screening is required. Risk factors for breast cancer can be managed by remaining physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting intake of alcohol.

“I want to encourage everyone to take action. Get screened. Make a donation to an organization that funds research,” said Preston. “Let’s remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than awareness.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options. To enroll, call the Women’s Health Line at 888-522-1282. The Health Line will walk people through the eligibility requirements and screening process.

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CHICAGO – In support of tradeswomen-led efforts to train and support the entry of more women into infrastructure and construction jobs, State Senator Willie Preston commends a $1.35 million federal investment to the Illinois Department of Labor to fund the undertaking.

“As a small business owner of a construction firm, I am excited to see an industry diversified that typically lacks opportunities for women,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “This federal grant is a huge win for Illinois in dismantling systemic barriers for women and creates equitable pathways for communities that have historically left behind.”

A $1.3 million federal grant to the Illinois Department of Labor will help bring more women into the construction industry, where they make up barely 4% of the workforce nationwide. The funding to the Illinois Department of Labor will allow Chicago Women in Trades to provide specific guidance on program design and best practices to construction companies, unions, public bodies, and other stakeholders to promote workforce equity on infrastructure projects. The funding seeks to promote gender equity and inclusion in the male-dominated field through established equity goals while prioritizing local federally financed infrastructure projects and empowering more women to join their local workforce.

“Creating more pathways into the trades industry has been a priority of mine before I took on my role in the Senate,” said Preston. “I will continue to fight for programs that support our local commerce, our trades and underserved communities. The support for this grant alone is great progress, but there is much more work to be done on the ground now to see a transformation in the construction and infrastructure workforce to include more women.”