SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is spearheading a measure to make Native American history a requirement for all public elementary and high school students.

“Native American history is American history, and it has been overlooked for far too long,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to give our students the opportunities to better understand the discrimination and persecution Native Americans faced throughout history.”

House Bill 1633 would require public schools to make Native American history part of curriculum. Teachings would include the study of the genocide of and discrimination against Native Americans, as well as tribal sovereignty, treaties made between tribal nations and the United States, and the circumstances around forced Native American relocation.

Social studies courses pertaining to American history or government would be required to include a unit of instruction studying the events of the Native American experience and Native American history within the Midwest and Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton that would require bottle filling stations in many new buildings being constructed in Illinois passed the Senate.

“Although there are already requirements for water fountains in buildings, many people use their own bottles or containers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “These people are taking the right steps of helping the environment, and should have easy access to do so.”

Senate Bill 1715 would require new buildings that are 5,000 square feet or larger and with a 100 person or more occupancy to provide a bottle filling station for every drinking fountain required under the plumbing code.

“By providing access to bottle filling stations across the state, we are giving residents the opportunity to reuse their bottles,” said Glowiak Hilton “The ability to refill bottles makes it easier to stay hydrated and will be more sanitary.”

Senate Bill 1715 passed the Senate Friday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

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.

“There are many situations where a consumer enters into a contract with a business where the contract automatically renews,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “A lack of transparency from these businesses allows them to take advantage of consumers. We as their elected officials must take action to protect them and their hard earned money.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of a contract’s automatic renewal terms, including that the contract will continue until the consumer cancels, the deadline to cancel before being charged for the renewal, the amount of recurring charges, and the length of the renewal terms.

“By giving consumers the resources they need to cancel subscriptions, we are giving them the opportunity to save their time and money,” said Glowiak Hilton. “Every business should give consumers the accurate information they need in regards to the services they provide.”

Senate Bill 328 passed the Senate Thursday and now heads to the House for further consideration.

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.