Welcome to Senator Bill Cunningham Legislative Website

Cunningham law expands opportunities for deputy sheriff recruitment

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain qualified deputy sheriffs has become law.

“As we face a shortage of police officers in our state, we have formed a program to help foster groups of young people into qualified public servants,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This will not only help address the shortage but also ensure that our future police officers are ones our communities can count on for their safety.” 

Under the new law, the state will maintain the current minimum age requirement of 21 years old for county police officers, while allowing individuals to serve beginning at age 20 if they have completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. The measure will also allow correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers to be appointed beginning at age 18.

Furthermore, county police officers would continue to serve a probationary period of at least 12 months. Correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers would serve a 15-month probationary period.

“Public safety is our top priority. This isn’t a fast track to get young people into the police system,” said Cunningham. “Rather, it gives our departments the flexibility to choose candidates who are young and looking to get involved in law enforcement.”

Senate Bill 1700 was signed into law Thursday.

Cunningham’s clean energy development for public schools becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s Senate Bill 3273 that clears the way for schools to develop solar energy projects has become law.

“With energy prices on the rise, our schools need every avenue to cut costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “By streamlining the process we are making it more convenient for schools to make the switch to a clean energy alternative.

Under the new law electric utilities would be required to complete interconnection-related evaluations, reviews and screenings within 30 days after determining that a request is complete. Public school projects would also bypass the standard interconnection queue, allowing them to move forward more quickly.

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Cunningham to host Mobile DMV in Alsip

ALSIP – State Senator Bill Cunningham is partnering with State Representative Mary Gill and the Illinois Secretary of State to offer Alsip residents a chance to renew their driver’s licenses, purchase license plate stickers and more.

“Mobile DMV events provide a convenient way for community members to access vehicle services directly and swiftly,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “By making these services more available, we are cutting wait times and providing the necessary guidance to get you back out on the road with what you need.”

The event will be held Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alsip Recreation Center located at 12521 S. Kostner Ave. The mobile unit operates like a driver services facility and offers driver’s license and state ID renewals, REAL ID processing, vehicle registration stickers, organ donor registration and more. Certain services will require documentation and applicable fees, which can be found at www.ilsos.gov.

Space is limited and by appointment only. People can register for the event by contacting Cunningham’s office at 773-445-8128.

Cunningham resolution honors longtime Palos Park community leader David Sanders

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham championed a resolution to designate a portion of Southwest Highway in Palos Park as “Dave Sanders Way,” honoring David Sanders’ decades of service and leadership at The Center in Palos Park.

“For generations, The Center in Palos Park has been a place where people have come together to learn, grow, reflect and support one another,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “David Sanders dedicated his life to continuing that mission, and this designation is a fitting tribute to the impact he and his family have had on countless people throughout our communities.”

Senate Joint Resolution 60 would designate Southwest Highway between 12600 and 13100 as “Dave Sanders Way” in recognition of Sanders’ lasting impact on the Palos Park community and the greater Chicagoland region. Founded in 1932 by Reverend Paul T. Sanders and Elizabeth Sanders, The Center in Palos Park has served as a regional resource for more than 90 years. Under David Sanders’ leadership, The Center expanded programs and services focused on spiritual care, youth programming, agricultural education, the arts, counseling and recovery support.

“David Sanders’ leadership helped make The Center a welcoming place for people of all ages and backgrounds,” Cunningham said. “His commitment to service and community has left a lasting mark on Palos Park and the entire region.”

Senate Joint Resolution 60 was adopted by the Senate Saturday.