Senate approves legislation led by Glowiak Hilton to combat “spoof” calls

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID – advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Time and again, residents are faced with harassment from scammers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to protect our residents from these malicious calls.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.

“Consumers should have the right to know who is on the other end of the phone,” said Glowiak Hilton. “We need to take action on businesses that mislead people, and give individuals the ability to give proper consent to a solicitation.”

The measure passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.

Glowiak Hilton leads measure to address schools prohibiting clothing of cultural significance

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is leading a measure that would ensure Illinois schools would allow articles of clothing that have cultural or religious significance for its students.

“We need to make sure future graduates and students have the opportunity to represent themselves the way they see fit,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Discrimination, of any kind, has no place in our schools.”

Students would be able to wear articles of clothing of cultural or religious significance in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies.

This issue was first brought to Glowiak Hilton’s attention last year, when a student was denied the ability to walk the stage of his graduation ceremony for wearing Native American regalia on his graduation cap.

Senate Bill 1446 passed the Human Rights committee on Thursday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Glowiak Hilton protects consumers from automatic renewal fees

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.

“From streaming services to cell phone contracts, contracts are regularly renewed without clear consent from consumers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We must ensure consumers are aware of automatic renewal commitments before accepting the terms.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

“Businesses take advantage of the loopholes automatic subscriptions present,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Addressing these loopholes gives people assurance that they are receiving transparency when making a purchase.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and awaits further consideration.

Glowiak Hilton secures over $2.2 million for local park districts

DUPAGE COUNTY – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton secured over $2.2 million for renovations and improvements for five park districts throughout DuPage County.

“Supporting our park districts is a meaningful investment in our communities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs) “When our parks improve, so does the well-being of our residents. I am excited to see children and families enjoy these renovations in the near future.”

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 park districts across the state through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This is the largest amount of funding since the program began 36 years ago.

Five park districts in the community have received a combined $2,240,300 in funding, including:

• Elmhurst Park District – $340,300
• Carol Stream Park District – $400,000
• Bloomingdale Park District – $300,000
• Lombard Park District – $600,000
• Addison Park District – $600,000

This funding will allow these park districts to make much needed renovations, create and restore recreational facilities, and expand sidewalks throughout parks.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for more information on the OSLAD grants.