SPRINGFIELD – Marking a significant step forward in criminal justice reform, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a transformative approach to providing second chances while maintaining critical public safety protections.

"The Clean Slate Act gives hope to those looking to start over and do better," said Belt (D-Swansea). "It is important to note that this bill only includes offenses that are currently sealable, we are simply making this process automatic."

House Bill 1836 – also known as the Clean Slate Act – would automate the sealing of criminal records that are already eligible under current law, removing the need for individuals to navigate a complex petition process. Non-conviction records would be automatically sealed, but serious crimes like murder, sex offenses, human trafficking, Class X felonies, violent crimes, DUI and domestic battery are excluded from automatic sealing. The bill would take effect June 1, 2026.

 SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"SNAP is a lifeline for families in need, and by the end of the week, it could be shut down just like that," said Belt (D-Swansea). "Instead of doing their job and supporting these families, federal lawmakers would be cutting the lifeline and forcing families to fend for themselves."

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 42,962 people in the district Belt represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt secured over $155 million to build and repair infrastructure in the Metro East.

“What we are seeing here is a massive investment in every mode of transportation for all Illinoisans,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We made a commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and this historic funding is a major step in holding true to that commitment.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt supported a major pharmacy reform bill that protects patient access to pharmacies and lowers prescription drug prices.

“Pharmacy middlemen have been jacking up prices without any repercussion for years,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This new law will help lower costs of prescription drugs by ending greedy tactics used by pharmacy benefit managers.”