SPRINGFIELD – Health care workers with temporary out-of-state licenses will be able to continue practicing in Illinois thanks to a new law led by State Senator Glowiak Hilton.

“Our health care professionals worked tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “While the emergency declaration is set to end next month, we are still seeing a health care worker shortage. Allowing the selfless professionals who are here on temporary licenses to continue practicing in Illinois will help alleviate further shortages.”

Temporary out-of-state licenses for health care professionals are set to expire May 11, 2023, when COVID-related emergency declarations end. Glowiak Hilton’s measure will allow such workers to keep practicing in Illinois for another year under that permit, as long as they apply for permanent licensure by May 11.

“These health care professionals heroically stepped up to help when we needed them most,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We must not disrupt their lives nor the health care workforce as a whole.”

House Bill 559 was signed into law Thursday and took immediate effect.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is spearheading a measure to require vital records to indicate whether or not a service-related injury contributed to a veteran’s death.

“The lack of indication behind the cause of a veteran’s death leaves us with more questions than answers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “These changes to vital records will help explain the contributing factors behind a veteran’s passing.”

House Bill 2856 would require vital records to list contributing factors behind a veteran’s death. This requirement would ensure survivor benefits and other rights are addressed if the death was caused by a service-related injury.

“These requirements make it possible for surviving family members to receive the correct compensation during such a traumatic time,” said Glowiak Hilton. “After all our veterans have done to protect our great state and nation, the least we can do is ensure their death is addressed in an accurate and appropriate manner.”

House Bill 2856 passed the Senate Veterans Committee Thursday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is spearheading a measure to make Native American history a requirement for all public elementary and high school students.

“Native American history is American history, and it has been overlooked for far too long,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to give our students the opportunities to better understand the discrimination and persecution Native Americans faced throughout history.”

House Bill 1633 would require public schools to make Native American history part of curriculum. Teachings would include the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation.

Social studies courses pertaining to American history or government would be required to include a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton that would require bottle filling stations in many new buildings being constructed in Illinois passed the Senate.

“Although there are already requirements for water fountains in buildings, many people use their own bottles or containers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “These people are taking the right steps of helping the environment, and should have easy access to do so.”

Senate Bill 1715 would require new buildings that are 5,000 square feet or larger and with a 100 person or more occupancy to provide a bottle filling station for every drinking fountain required under the plumbing code.

“By providing access to bottle filling stations across the state, we are giving residents the opportunity to reuse their bottles,” said Glowiak Hilton “The ability to refill bottles makes it easier to stay hydrated and will be more sanitary.”

Senate Bill 1715 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the House for further consideration.