New Hunter law prioritizes child welfare

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter’s legislation to further reinforce the goals of the Department of Children and Family Services is now in effect.

“DCFS’ primary objective remains reuniting children with their families or securing safe, permanent homes,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This law clarifies these goals and ensures the Children and Family Services Act is up-to-date and compliant with current needs.”

The new law cleaned up language in the Children and Family Services Act to include that DCFS is responsible for placing children in permanent family homes through guardianship or adoption — rather than adoptive homes — when restoration to the biological family is not safe, possible or appropriate.

Additionally, the law clarifies DCFS’ responsibility for children or youth whose jurisdiction could not be clearly named as under one individual agency, or whose services may be provided by multiple agencies, and reaffirms that welfare services offered by DCFS are intended to be temporary until safe reunification or timely and permanent placement can be achieved.

House Bill 3705 went into effect Jan. 1.

Hunter’s law targeting SNAP benefit fraud effective Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD —The Illinois Department of Human Services will collect data on the frequency of stolen SNAP benefits beginning Jan. 1 after a new law from State Senator Mattie Hunter takes effect.

“We have heard from many Illinois residents who have been victims of identity fraud and lost access to their SNAP benefits," said Hunter (D-Chicago). "By tracking the frequency of these occurrences, IDHS will have a better idea of the scope of the problem and how we can effectively move forward.”

Under the new law, IDHS will have the authority to track how often benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are stolen from their rightful recipients. SNAP participants receive monthly benefits for groceries deposited onto EBT cards, and in the past year, card skimming has increased significantly in many states. IDHS began collecting data on card skimming and other fraud methods in December 2022, making it unclear how much theft had previously occurred.

Last year, Congress passed legislation to replace SNAP benefits stolen between Oct. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2024. This new law will serve as a starting point for Illinois to gain a clearer understanding of the scope and frequency of SNAP benefit fraud in the state, allowing for more effective measures to be put in place to combat this issue.

“When families lose their benefits —at no fault of their own — they are unable to purchase food until the situation can be resolved,” Hunter said. “We must ensure these benefits remain accessible to those who need them.”

House Bill 2214 takes effect Jan. 1.

Hunter hosts food giveaway in Chicago

CHICAGO — To give back to the community during the holiday season, State Senator Mattie Hunter is partnering with Meridian Health and other local agencies to host a food giveaway and vaccination clinic on Thursday, Dec. 21 in Chicago.

“The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “I am grateful to partner with local organizations to provide a meal for those who may be struggling this time of year, as well as a convenient location receive vaccinations that will make your time together safer.”

Hunter will be giving away hams and turkeys at the XS Tennis and Education Foundation, 5336 S. State St. in Chicago, on Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. while supplies last. Near North Health will be on site with a mobile vaccination unit offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccines can be charged to a resident’s insurance provider or offered at a small fee.

The event is sponsored by Senator Hunter, the Institute for Positive Living, Dion’s Chicago Dream, the XS Tennis and Education Foundation, Near North Health, Meridian, the Chicago Urban League, and Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc.

Residents with questions can call Hunter’s office at 312-949-1908.

Hunter law preventing utility shutoffs takes effect Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Jan. 1, residents will see expanded protections from utility disconnections on days of extreme heat, thanks to a new law from State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“For people who fall behind on their bills, having their utilities shut off on an extremely hot day can have dire consequences,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “By recognizing the dangers of heat and the value in access to air conditioning and proper refrigeration, we are protecting some of our state’s most vulnerable.”

The Public Utilities Act — which prohibits utility shutoffs on days where the temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit — will now include extreme heat events, factoring in humidity and the heat index. On days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning, residents’ utilities cannot be shut off, even if they are behind on paying their bills.

Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of heat-related illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat each year. When utilities are shut off, residents lose access to life-saving cooling methods, refrigeration for food and medicine and electricity to power essential devices.

“Illinois weather is unpredictable. This law will lead to greater safety on the hottest days, particularly during the summer months,” said Hunter.

House Bill 1541 goes into effect Jan. 1.