SPRINGFIELD – After the Fiscal Year 2024 was approved by the Senate on Thursday, State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes released the following statement:

“I am excited to see a budget that continues to invest in the 1^st District through social services, educational programs, child care initiatives, and our community organizations that serve so many across Illinois and in our district.

“Illinois is investing in communities from Brighton Park to Berwyn and Cicero. We are investing in capital projects, violence prevention, youth development and more. This is one of the biggest investments Illinois has made in higher education, and I am happy to see funding to support IGROW and education initiatives I have fought for this year.

“I am proud to support a budget that continues to invest in home services programs across the state as we continue to address growing caseloads our health care workers have faced.

“Not only are we investing in education, health care, and child care, but we are also ensuring our veterans are getting the attention and funding they need. Our veterans deserve the support of Illinois and we will continue investments into mental health care, suicide prevention, and housing assistance for our veterans.

“I am proud to support this budget and will continue to fight for the members of the 1^st District and residents across Illinois.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes sponsored legislation that would prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications.

“We are prioritizing safety with this legislation, because no video call is worth someone getting hurt,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We are taking action against drivers who put themselves and everyone around them in danger with straightforward legislation that will protect Illinois drivers.”

House Bill 2431 would make it illegal to use any electronic communications devices while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the bill prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

Drivers that are currently allowed a permit to use electronic communication devices in hands-free or voice-operated mode by pressing a single button to activate would be exempt from this legislation.

“Taking positive steps to change the culture surrounding distracted driving will lead to more responsible drivers and ultimately save lives,” Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “Zooming, streaming videos and video conferencing takes hands, eyes and minds off the focus of driving. This measure will go a long way toward changing bad behaviors for the better. I thank Senator Cervantes’ leadership for shepherding this legislation through the Senate and helping to make Illinois roads safer.”

House Bill 2431 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Javier Cervantes is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit all drivers from using an electronic communications device while operating a motor vehicle in Illinois, including any video conferencing or social media applications.

“Ensuring our roadways are safe is a basic necessity we should provide Illinois drivers,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “No one should be taking video conference and video calls while driving. This is commonsense legislation that will make Illinois roadways safer for all.”

House Bill 2431 would make it illegal to use any electronic communications devices while operating a motor vehicle, including the use of cell phones and tablets for streaming videos and participating in video conferences on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Additionally, the bill prohibits any social media applications like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter from being used while operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

SPRINGFIELD – To assist military service members and immigrants in getting into the real estate industry, State Senator Javier Cervantes is leading a measure that will waive certain requirements for veterans and those without a social security number who are seeking a real estate license.

“We are removing the red tape on real estate licensing for veterans and immigrants wishing to continue their real estate career here in Illinois,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This will ensure that those who may feel left out of the market can find licensing opportunities and continue to practice their profession.”

Senate Bill 1866 creates the Real Estate Omnibus, which will remove barriers faced by veterans and Immigrants who are trying to obtain licensing for real estate.

Under this measure, veterans will have all continuing education requirements waived upon seeking reactivation of their real estate license within two years after their time in service. This will also waive requirements for Social Security Numbers and will allow those with individual Taxpayer ID Numbers to apply for a license in real estate or as community association managers, auctioneers, or home inspectors.