Cunningham measure formalizes mobile IDs while protecting personal devices

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced legislation which will formalize the use of mobile identification while strengthening protections for residents’ personal devices.

“As more residents use digital IDs, our laws need to reflect that reality,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This measure modernizes our statutes while making sure individuals’ rights and personal devices remain protected.”

Senate Bill 3449 would update state law to align terminology and requirements related to mobile identification, ensuring clarity and consistency as digital ID technology becomes more widely used. In addition to formalizing mobile IDs, this bill would prohibit any relying party, including law enforcement, from physically taking a person’s phone to verify a mobile ID. The provision would ensure individuals maintain control of their personal devices during the verification process.

“So much of our personal information, passwords and sentimental value is stored within our phones,” Cunningham said. “People shouldn’t have to hand over their phones just to prove their identity, nor can we allow critical personal information to fall into the wrong hands.”

Senate Bill 3449 passed out of the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

Cunningham pushes legislation to help protect sensitive medical information

SPRINGFEILD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is introducing legislation to better privacy protections for individuals undergoing genetic and biomarker testing.

“As technology evolves, our privacy laws need to keep up,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “No one in our state should have to worry about sensitive medical information effecting job opportunities or their insurance rate.”

Senate Bill 2886 would update Genetic Information Privacy Act to expand existing safeguards to include biomarker testing, in addition to genetic testing. The measure clarifies that information derived from these tests is confidential and privileged, and may only be released to the individual tested or to those specifically authorized in writing.

Under this legislation, insurers would be prohibited from seeking or using information derived from genetic or biomarker testing, unless an individual voluntarily submits favorable results. The bill also would limit employer’s access to the information, protecting from discrimination.

“This bill makes it clear that personal health data belongs to the individual,” Cunningham said. “People shouldn’t have to worry that advances in medicine could be turned into a disadvantage.”

Senate Bill 2886 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

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Cunningham announces new investments in local parks

Chicago- Thanks to support from Senator Bill Cunningham, the southwest side and nearby suburbs received a combined total of $955,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements.

“Whether it be a child’s birthday party or for a club sporting event, our local parks are an essential gathering spot for every member of our community,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “With this investment, we are ensuring our community members can participate in the activities they enjoy safely.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

A total of $36 million in grant funding was awarded to 67 local park projects across Illinois to help communities acquire land and develop recreational opportunities. In Cunningham’s district, a combined $955,000 will be used to renovate portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs, which received $600,000 to make improvements to Worth Park District’s, Gale Moore Park and an additional $355,000 for the City of Palos Hills, Krasowski Park.

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