SPRINGFIELD — With the goal of protecting youth, Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) sponsored legislation in the Senate that would give child care facilities more authority when providing temporary residential services to children in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Martinez’s proposal was signed into law today.

“I sponsored this legislation because, as a result of many children being cared for in temporary facilities for longer periods of time, it is necessary to institute policies that will keep them safe and off the streets,” Martinez said.

Under the new law, any organization authorized by DCFS to provide temporary care to children will be required to establish and enforce curfews, maintain appropriate staffing levels and provide activities that engage the youth in its care.

Additionally, they will be responsible for coming up with a plan to locate and return youth to the facility if they run away.

House Bill 1530 ensures that temporary residential facilities are more responsible for the children in their care and have more power to protect their well-being.

The law will be effective Jan. 1, 2016.

SPRINGFIELD — Earlier this year, Senate Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of the Senate that would create a commission to help young people find jobs and lower unemployment.

Today, Martinez’s legislation was signed into law.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois’ youth unemployment rate was 18.5 percent in 2012.

“I am committed to helping young people in our state who struggle to find a job,” Martinez said. “The commission will focus on bringing together experts to come up with ways to help our youth find and keep employment.”

Under HB 1490, a 17-member commission will be in charge of identifying concerns regarding the readiness and ability of young adults to find employment after their education is completed.

Members of the commission are unpaid. Each legislative leader will be able to appoint four members to the commission.

HB 1490 takes effect immediately.

CHICAGO — Majority Caucus Whip Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) will be holding a Family Wellness and Back to School Fair next week with State Representative Jaime Andrade (D-Chicago).

The event will take place on Thursday, August 13, at Avondale/Logandale School (3212 W. George, corner of Kedzie and George) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“I am pleased to be partnering with Representative Andrade to hold an event that will serve as a one-stop location for students and parents as they get prepared for the upcoming school year,” Martinez said.

Students can receive free school supplies and backpacks at the fair and get physicals, immunizations, dental screenings and hair cuts.

There will also be services available for parents and other adults, including blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings and health insurance registration information.

The Secretary of State’s Office and other government agencies will also be on hand to provide information about the services they offer.

In years past, hundreds of children and families have attended this community event.

For more information on the Family Wellness and Back to School Fair, contact Senator Martinez’s district office at (773) 278-2020. To view the flyer in Spanish, please click here.

SPRINGFIELD — Judges have denied oral claims of discrimination in real estate transactions because they believe the Human Rights Act only prohibits discriminatory statements that are printed, circulated, mailed or published.

Senator Iris Y. Martinez (D-Chicago) worked to strengthen the Human Rights Act this year.

“Words have meaning and our laws need to be strict enough so that people who make discriminatory comments are held accountable,” Martinez said.

Under Martinez’s proposal, which was signed into law today, oral discrimination during real estate transactions will be illegal.

The new law also provides that it is a civil rights violation for a real estate broker, salesman or any other person engaging in a real estate transaction to make written or oral statements that indicate a preference for familial status.

Due to this change, expectant mothers, single parents and individuals adopting children will be protected from discrimination.

House Bill 3464 is effective immediately.