SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law to help recruit qualified law enforcement and county corrections officers to work in Illinois

“It only makes sense to simplify the process of training requirements for qualified and experienced officers who are coming to serve our state,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We are streamlining the application process for these officers so they can begin their new positions in Illinois in a timely manner.”

The new law will require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to create an employment waiver process for a person previously employed and qualified as a law enforcement or county corrections officer under federal law or the laws of any other state.

Previously, all law enforcement and county corrections officers in Illinois were required to meet specific training standards set by LETSB before they could be employed in the state.

“The last thing we want is to deter people away from law enforcement employment opportunities in Illinois,” said Belt. “This new law will save the state both time and resources, while ensuring we recruit experienced and qualified officers.”

Senate Bill 1754 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will establish the Justice40 Oversight Committee to bring forth federal climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities.

“Representing a district with various disadvantaged communities, this initiative has the potential to enhance these affected areas,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By creating this committee, residents can be assured that Illinois is taking action and prioritizing investments in climate and clean energy in our most vulnerable communities.”

The federal government created the Justice40 initiative to confront and address decades of underinvestment in disadvantaged communities. The initiative is to deliver at least 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate change and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.

The new law will create the Justice40 Oversight Committee to advance this federal initiative in the state. The committee will be responsible for compiling findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding environmental justice and uses of federal funds for climate change and clean energy purposes.

“This shows that Illinois is ahead of the game when it comes to transitioning to a clean energy economy,” said Belt. “It further ensures the most vulnerable communities are not left behind while doing so.”

House Bill 2487 was signed on Friday and goes into effect immediately.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is urging agencies across the 57^th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“Visiting local parks is one of the best ways to get out to explore nature and spend time outdoors,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that our parks stay accessible to all but at times, park development projects can be costly. I encourage local agencies to apply for OSLAD funding so parks in the Metro East can remain well-maintained and welcoming to all.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is making amusement rides and attractions safer for families, thanks to a new law that will require amusement parks to have at least one staff member qualified to administer CPR.

“This law will enhance safety standards and ensure the well-being of visitors at amusement parks statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that we acknowledge the need for effective emergency response in high-risk environments and that we implement policies that will ensure the safety of our community members and state visitors.”

The new law requires a park’s owner or operator to ensure that at least one operator working on site has been certified to provide first aid and CPR.

“This law is crucial for safeguarding the lives of people looking to simply enjoy an amusement park,” said Belt. “Providing trained personnel who can effectively handle medical emergencies will offer peace of mind to park-goers and their families.”

The governor signed House Bill 3097 into law on Friday, June 30 and it goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.