Compiled by Ashmar Mandou
Political Sidebar is a weekly round-up of commentary from elected officials around the Chicagoland area discussing topical issues affecting their communities.
Robinson Passes Measure to Expand Access to Preventative Care for Minors
Legislation HB 2665 introduced by State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, aimed at curbing sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents through better access to preventive healthcare, was signed into law on Wednesday. “For many young people, discussing safe sex with their parents or guardians is not an option, which can leave them susceptible to contracting a sexually transmitted disease or experiencing an unwanted pregnancy,” said Robinson. Preventive care may include access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV, HPV vaccines and birth control.
Martinez bill would require consent for AI in job interviews
Assistant Majority Leader Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the Senate yesterday that would require companies to notify and obtain consent from applicants if artificial intelligence will be used in the interview process. “Applicants deserve to be as prepared as possible coming into the interview process,” Martinez said. “While artificial intelligence can be a useful tool for companies to screen and hire employees, they should not be able to use it without the applicant agreeing to do so.” House Bill 2557 passed the Senate without opposition and now heads back to the House for a concurrence vote.
Aquino plan to offer new retirement savings option will head to governor
A bill introduced by State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) that would add traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) as an option to the Secure Choice Savings Program passed the Illinois House this week. “All pensioners in Illinois should have safe and secure options available to them,” said Aquino. “As chair of the Senate Government Accountability and Pensions Committee, I want to see people have all options on the table when it comes to saving for their retirement.” The Secure Choice Savings Program is a retirement savings program that provides retirement options for private-sector employees in Illinois. Senate Bill 1787 adds a traditional IRA to the options provided under the program, which covers about 1.2 million pensioners. Senate Bill 1787 now awaits the governor’s signature.
Castro bill bans employers from asking applicant’s salary history
The Illinois Senate voted to approve Senator Cristina Castro’s (D-Elgin) legislation strengthening the Illinois Equal Pay Act. House Bill 834 would prohibit employers from asking about salary histories when interviewing job applicants. The measure would reduce the effects of pay discrimination from past jobs. “This legislation addresses a wide range of people” said Castro. “Men and women of all ages and backgrounds should have an equal chance to succeed, and that is what I will continue to fight for as a member of this General Assembly.” House Bill 834 passed the Senate and will now return to the House.
