SPRINGFIELD – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the governor signed a measure into law Friday led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois is enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Illinois Attorney General, Glowiak Hilton’s law codifies organized retail crime into statute as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To commemorate the achievements and contributions of older adults, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is asking residents to submit their nominations to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“We all know an older family member, friend or neighbor whose efforts have shaped our community into a better place,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Let’s help give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.”

The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding accomplishments in community service, education, the labor force and the arts. Each year, four candidates — one from each category — are inducted.

SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, a new Illinois law ensures customers know their discounts when supermarkets put products on sale.

“When shoppers check out at the supermarket, they don’t always see the sale price of an item on the screen during a transaction,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This new law ensures transparency in the check-out line and aims to improve consumer protections.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in Illinois law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. 

To ensure shoppers receive their discount, Glowiak Hilton supported House Bill 2910 to require supermarkets to show both the regular and sale prices of items as they are rung up.

With the governor’s signature, the new law takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law supported by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs), more paraprofessionals, or teacher aids, will have access to classrooms sooner.

“Paraprofessionals are vital members of a school’s support staff,” Glowiak Hilton said. “By lowering the eligible age, Illinois is offering an opportunity to an aspiring educator or other responsible adult while working to address the statewide teacher shortage.”

In Illinois, paraprofessionals are currently required to be at least 19 years old. Under the new law, the age would be lowered to 18 years old, as long as the individual meets the other license requirements. Paraprofessionals are required to have a high school diploma, an associate degree and pass a competency test.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the number of unfilled paraprofessional positions in school districts across the state nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022. There were 1,237 unfilled positions last year compared to 2,397 this year, making this law more important than ever.

“Paraprofessionals add another layer of support to the classroom, allowing students to have more opportunities for one-on-one assistance,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Lowering the required age by one year will allow additional qualified individuals to take on this role and offer support to our school system.”

Senate Bill 3988 was signed into law Wednesday and is effective Jan. 1, 2023.