SB 2996 – Protect Children by Updating Illinois’ Lead Poisoning Definition to Meet CDC Standard
This law directs the Illinois Department of Public Health to update state rules so that the definition of elevated blood lead level for children is in accordance with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reference value. Current Illinois rules allow an elevated blood lead level in children that is twice as high as what is recommended by the CDC. Passing this bill positions Illinois as a leader in preventing lead poisoning. Illinois will join ME, RI, NJ, NH, OH, and NC as the first states to adopt to the CDC standard.
See our fact sheet for more information.
HB 4951 – Clarify 2017 Changes to Security Deposit Return Act
This law clarifies that potential deductions from a security deposit be reasonable and for damage beyond normal wear and tear. The bill addresses concerns by tenant advocates that the recent change in state law could be used by landlords to make deductions from security deposits for ordinary wear and tear, inflate the cost of damages and/or use security deposits to improve the rental unit beyond the condition of the unit at the time the lease began.
See our fact sheet for more information.
SB 3081 – Applicants Have a Right to Know their Public Housing Waiting List Status
This law ensures that people who have applied to a Public Housing Authority (PHA) for housing—either a public housing unit and/or a Housing Choice Voucher—can find out their status on the waiting list within 10 business days, so that they can plan other parts of their life accordingly. Waiting lists can be months or years long. Knowing whether you are close to the top of the list or not may impact other life decisions, such as whether to move to a new town or not.
See our fact sheet for more information.
We partnered with the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law and others to pass these pieces of legislation. Our thanks to Shriver along with our other allies, supporters, the General Assembly, and the Governor’s Office for helping make these critical pieces of legislation Illinois law.