SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to support mental health education in schools, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is sponsoring legislation that helps school leaders identify, understand, and respond to mental health problems school children may face.

“Educating students about their mental health early in life will benefit them in the long term," Stadelman said. “Many students will navigate difficult situations in a healthier way if schools are able to teach them and provide instruction on how to cope and respond with their mental health."

House Joint Resolution 1 urges Illinois schools to provide education for all students in grades 6 to 12 on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses, as well as provide instruction on how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) requiring state agencies and institutions to only purchase American and Illinois flags manufactured in the United States passed the State Senate on Memorial Day.

“There’s no reason for us to be flying our state and nation’s flags if they’re not made in this country,” Stadelman said. “This legislation rights a wrong while supporting our local businesses and economies at the same time.”

The legislation would change the Flag Display Act to no longer allow state institutions and agencies to purchase American and Illinois flags from manufacturers outside of the U.S.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that passed the General Assembly on Thursday would require public schools that offer sex education curricula to include a lesson about the risks of sexting.

“Technology has evolved a significant amount in the last decade,” Stadelman said. “This legislation would update Illinois’ sex education curriculum to include a lesson on sexting, so students can learn about the real-life consequences of the virtual act.”

The legislation would require schools that offer a sex education course or unit to revise their current curricula to include an age-appropriate lesson on sexting and its potential consequences.

 SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would make civil no contact orders permanent for sexual assault survivors whose assailants are criminally convicted of sexual assault passed the Illinois General Assembly on Monday.

“People who’ve been through a sexual assault will live with that trauma for the rest of their lives,” Stadelman said. “I believe  it’s our responsibly to help ease their burdens and not make them relive that trauma by forcing them to return to court year after year.”

Currently, under Illinois state law, sexual assault survivors are forced to see their assailants in court every two years to renew their no contact orders.