SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura has introduced four new bills aimed at standardizing state licensing for electricians, supporting working families and workers striking and improving public education. The proposed legislation seeks to establish licensing requirements for electricians, expand childcare assistance programs for new parents, allow for unemployment benefits for striking workers, and create a task force to examine the impact of expanding licensed librarians in public schools.

Senate Bill 2307 would require electricians to obtain state licensure, ensuring uniform safety standards and enhanced consumer protection. This legislation aims to professionalize the trade, reduce workplace hazards and provide Illinois residents with greater confidence in electrical services.

Illinois requires electricians to be licensed, but without a statewide standard, licensing requirements are left to individual municipalities. The bill seeks to address this issue, as well as create a task force to review if other trades should be licensed by the state.

“This is about public safety, workforce development and raising the standard for skilled trades,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By standardizing licensing requirements, we can ensure electricians have the proper training and expertise to do their jobs safely and effectively across this state.”

Another bill, Senate Bill 1782, aims to expand childcare assistance programs, allowing parents to stay at home with their newborns for the first 12 weeks while receiving state support. This initiative recognizes the importance of early bonding and parental involvement in a child’s formative weeks without jeopardizing financial stability.

“No parent should have to choose between financial security and spending critical early weeks with their newborn,” said Ventura. “This bill will give families much-needed relief and help create a more supportive environment for Illinois’ working parents.”

Senate Bill 1741 would establish a state task force to study the potential benefits of expanding licensed librarians in public schools. Research has shown that school librarians play a vital role in student achievement, information literacy and fostering a love for reading.

“Certified librarians are an integral, but often missing component, to successful elementary and high schools; there is a direct relationship between their presence within our schools and academic success,” said Cynthia Robinson, Illinois Library Association executive director. “This task force is critical in beginning the discussion on how best to ensure certified librarians are found within our schools in future academic years.” 

Lastly, Senate Bill 2304 would allow workers who are striking for two weeks or more to file for unemployment benefits.

The four new measures currently await Senate committee assignment.