SPRINGFIELD - To enhance protections for people experiencing domestic violence, State Senator Ram Villivalam supported a measure that would allow for the apprehension of firearms, parts, and FOID cards upon the issuance of an emergency restraining order.

“No one who is seeking protections from a person who poses a threat should have to worry about being at risk for firearm-related violence,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It is imperative that I voted to strengthen protections to further protect those who have sought an emergency restraining order.”

SPRINGFIELD - To enhance protections for those seeking to change their name, State Senator Ram Villivalam advanced a measure out of the Senate to eliminate the requirement to publish a name change with a local newspaper.

“When someone is seeking a name change, whether it is to protect themselves from domestic violence or to affirm one’s identity, everyone deserves the right to do so without the burden of the cumbersome and expensive publication process,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Additionally, by requiring residents to publish their name change, it relinquishes the privacy of such individuals and can be harmful to their safety or well-being.”

CHICAGO- A bipartisan delegation of state lawmakers and stakeholders representing labor, business, environmental, and transit advocacy groups concluded a public transit delegation trip to Germany last week. The Illinois legislative delegation released the following statement:

SPRINGFIELD — Senate Transportation Chair Ram Villivalam held a subject matter hearing Tuesday to discuss how funding transit is a statewide priority.

“As public transit continues to be a cornerstone of our communities, it is imperative that we have discussions about the current state of transit across Illinois as a whole,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Today, we were able to hear from panelists who spoke to what transit looks like in their region and how funding transit is a necessity to them.”