Lightford protects minority communities from discrimination

• Discrimination
• Racial Impact Note

Establishes a Racial Impact Note and prohibits racial discrimination of state employees

SPRINGFIELD – Minority communities would have more information on the effects proposed legislation could have on their community under a measure led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

Members of the General Assembly would be able to file a Racial Impact Note to any piece of legislation, requiring state agencies to respond with an estimate of the possible effect on minority communities. When considering legislation, lawmakers may file a variety of such notes highlighting certain concerns, such as a Fiscal Impact Note.

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Lightford measure helping abused children passes Senate

• Children
• Abuse

SPRINGFIELD – Children taken into protective custody under suspicion of abuse could soon take part in a forensic interview without parental consent as a result of legislation by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

Senate Bill 1418, approved by the Senate on Friday, addresses issues in cases where an abused minor’s parents do not wish for the child to participate in a criminal investigation that may implicate a family member or close friend.

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Lightford secures success in schools for student parents and survivors of sexual abuse

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – Students who are parents, expectant parents or victims of gender-based violence would have more help staying in school under a proposal led by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

“Stigma and scheduling pressures can make these students more likely to drop out of school, but one of the greatest challenges they face is institutional support. These policy changes will show them that their success is our priority,” Lightford said.

Senate Bill 449 was developed from recommendations made by the Ensuring Success in School Task Force created in 2017 to develop policies for students who are parents, expectant parents or victims of gender-based violence in an effort to combat the growing dropout rate.

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Lightford measure lowers required school age to 5

• Education

SPRINGFIELD – Children could soon be required to start school at age 5 under a proposal spearheaded by Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood).

Senate Bill 2075 lowers the compulsory school age from 6 to 5, and was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

Parents could choose to hold their child back a year if they have a birthday after May 31.

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