Welcome to Senator Bill Cunningham Legislative Website

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.

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.

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.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Bill Cunningham has advanced legislation to help Illinois public schools develop solar energy projects.

“As we look at the rising costs of good and utilities across our country, we must make sure our schools have every alternative to lower their costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This legislation will help streamline the process for schools who want to participate in our states clean energy alternatives.”

Under Senate Bill 3273, 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.

The legislation also would require utilities to disclose upgrade costs and construction timelines to schools as soon as possible after completing interconnection reviews, giving school districts clearer information when planning projects.

“By cutting the red tape that surrounds solar developments we are making a convenient path for schools to cut cost and help make our states switch to clean energy alternatives possible,” said Cunningham.

Senate Bill 3273 passed the Senate on Wednesday.