Belt’s measure to ban AI for teacher evaluations passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would ban the use of AI tools in teacher evaluations.

“This measure protects teachers by ensuring their evaluations are written by people, not AI,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will keep the process fair, transparent and more focused on real classroom performance.”

Read more: Belt’s measure to ban AI for teacher evaluations passes Senate

Belt advances bill to require clear service appointment windows and real-time notice

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to protect consumers from missed appointment fees due to long service appointment windows passed the Senate.

“People are being forced to block off entire days waiting for a service provider who may or may not show up when promised,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to respect people’s time and leave vague scheduling practices in the past.”

Read more: Belt advances bill to require clear service appointment windows and real-time notice

Suicide prevention awareness and education expansion passed Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state passed the Senate.

“This legislation strengthens access to support for individuals facing a mental health crisis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will also give students tools and lessons to understand their feelings and know where to turn for help.”

Read more: Suicide prevention awareness and education expansion passed Senate

Measure to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grants passes Senate thanks to Belt

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“This would expand grant opportunities so volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois can access the funding they need to repair, upgrade or build their facilities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In communities like St. Clair County, where many departments are volunteer-based and currently ineligible, this measure would help ensure they have the resources to protect residents safely and effectively.”

Senate Bill 2645 would allow the OSFM to create and award new rehabilitation and construction grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois. Currently, OSFM operates the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program, which helps repair, upgrade or construct new fire stations by a unit of local government.

However, of the 40 fire departments and fire protection districts in St. Clair County, majority are volunteer departments and do not qualify for the program. Belt’s bill seeks to change this by empowering volunteer departments with new grant opportunities, potentially addressing their infrastructure and equipment needs.

Senate Bill 2645 passed the Senate on Thursday.