Originally published in Security Magazine, Sept. 15, 2019.

“No one deserves to feel unsafe in their work environment,” Villivalam said. “By following the example of some of the nation’s most populous cities, we will provide a safer and more productive workplace to those who work at these facilities.”

Hotels and casinos in Illinois will soon be required to have anti-sexual harassment policies that include, for certain workers, access to a safety button or notification device that alerts security staff.

The Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act that was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker requires all employees working alone in guest rooms, restrooms or casino floors to be supplied with a safety or notification device at no cost to them. It also prohibits employer retaliation against workers who use the device or disclose, report or testify about violations of the act.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam that will ensure subcontractors receive payments for their work in a timely manner was signed into law last Friday.

“With this legislation, we’re making the payment process as seamless and transparent as possible, while also ensuring that smaller contractors receive their payments on time.” Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. “Waiting on funds for too long can make or break small businesses.”

Senate Bill 104 would require that subcontractors be paid within ten business days after the prime contractor receives payment. The overwhelming majority of prime contractors receive electronic payments from the state, reducing the need for time when the subcontractors are waiting to be paid their share for work already performed.

Additionally, IDOT will be required to publish a searchable database on its website containing the names and owed balances of subcontractors for each pay period, ensuring transparency and accessibility in the payment process.

This legislation takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Ram that would create opportunities for careers in water infrastructure was signed into law last Friday.

“The ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan is a prime example of what can happen to communities when their water infrastructure is neglected by their government for long periods of time,” VIllivalam (D-Chicago) said. “By creating the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program, Illinois is taking important steps to avoid that same fate while training local folks for strong, union jobs that will bolster our economy and change lives.”

SB 2146 would require the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create a Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program that would provide grants and other financial assistance to prepare people for careers in water infrastructure.

This legislation takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam to protect immigration status in a civil case was signed into law on Friday.

"As the son of Indian immigrants, I know firsthand that immigrants have not pursued justice, at times, due to fear that their immigration status will be brought up in court. That ends now. Whether related to workers' compensation, harassment, discrimination, wage theft, or a whole host of other issues, all residents of our state deserve to access justice without fear," Villivalam (D-Chicago) said. "I would like to thank Governor Pritzker for signing this legislation into law and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her efforts in passing this legislation through the House."

SB 1429 would make a person's immigration status generally inadmissible in civil proceedings unless it is essential to prove the element of a case or an affirmative defense. Illinois has become the 3rd state to enact such a policy, following the lead of Washington and California.

This legislation is effective immediately.