The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill to eliminate the nation’s strictest standard for how old children must be to be left home alone, now set at age 14. The bill lets parents decide when children are responsible enough to briefly be on their own.
Bill would let Illinois parents decide when kids are old enough to be home alone
Illinois is the only state to outlaw leaving children home alone until they are 14. Lawmakers are considering throwing out the minimum age altogether, joining 39 other states that leave it up to parents.
House bill would eliminate expungement fee for Illinoisans wrongfully arrested, convicted
House bill would eliminate expungement fee for Illinoisans wrongfully arrested, convicted
Year after George Floyd’s death, police contracts stop Illinois reform
It has been a year since George Floyd died beneath a Minneapolis police officer’s knee, setting off riots in Chicago and protests across Illinois. Lawmakers vowed reforms, but nothing will change as long as police contracts overpower state law.
In the wake of George Floyd’s death, Springfield has essential work to do
Illinois lawmakers cannot afford to delay action in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
How second chances are saving lives in Illinois
Creason’s dream was to become a registered nurse. But for her and many like her in Illinois, that dream nearly died.
What you need to know about marijuana legalization in Illinois
Answers to frequently asked questions about Illinois’ cannabis legalization law.
Leaving child Home Alone could land parents in jail this holiday season
Illinois’ restrictive and vague laws could mean arrest for parents who leave their kids at home while they run a quick holiday errand.
Up to 140,000 able-bodied Illinoisans may need jobs to get food stamps in 2020
Just Cook County food stamp recipients were facing work requirements Jan. 1 if they were under age 50, able-bodied and had no dependents. Now the rules will apply throughout Illinois starting April 1.
Chicago council member calls for decriminalization of magic mushrooms
City leaders passed a resolution expressing support for expanding scientific and medicinal research on organic psychedelics in Chicago, with the goal of decriminalizing adult use of the plants and fungi.