Photo of Ram Villivalam
D Illinois Senate · District 8 On the 2026 ballot

Sen. Ram Villivalam

Compare
Total votes
7,205
all sessions
Attendance
99%
73 missed
Near the chamber average
With party
99%
of cast votes
Near the chamber average
Bipartisan score
0%
crosses aisle rarely
Near the chamber average
Sponsored
1,279
bills & resolutions
Near the chamber average
Committees
6
assignments
1,279 bills and resolutions

Sponsored bills

Total
1,279
Primary
519
Co-sponsor
760
This page
1,279
matching current filters
Co-sponsor SB 1828
Signed into law · Illinois Senate · Co-sponsor
NEEDLE AND HYPODERMIC ACCESS

Creates the Needle and Hypodermic Syringe Access Program Act. Provides that persons or entities that promote scientifically proven ways of mitigating health risks associated with drug use and other high-risk behaviors may establish and operate a needle and hypodermic syringe access program. Provides objectives for programs established under the Act. Includes language requiring programs to provide specified services. Provides that no employee or volunteer of or participant in a program shall be charged with or prosecuted for possession of specified substances. Provides that law enforcement officers who in good faith arrest or charge a person entitled to immunity under the Act shall not be subject to civil liability for the arrest or filing of charges. Provides that prior to commencing operations under the Act, an organization shall report specified information to the Department of Public Health. Amends the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall give preference for grants and proposals to specified drug overdose prevention programs. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall conduct an evidence-based treatment needs assessment to be submitted to the General Assembly by December 31, 2019. Effective immediately. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 301/25-13 new Adds reference to: 720 ILCS 635/1 from Ch. 38, par. 22-50 720 ILCS 635/2 from Ch. 38, par. 22-51 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Renames the Needle and Hypodermic Syringe Access Program Act the Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services' report on drug overdose trends statewide shall provide information on the current substance use disorder treatment capacity within the State. Requires the report to include an inventory of the State's substance use disorder treatment capacity. Provides that the Department may support specified drug overdose projects by facilitating the acquisition of opioid antagonist medication approved for opioid overdose reversal. Provides specified elements the Department may promote in supporting best practices in drug overdose prevention programming. Deletes provisions requiring the Department to give preference for grants to proposals that, in addition to providing life-saving interventions and responses, provide information to drug users on how to access substance use disorder treatment or other strategies for abstaining from illegal drugs. Removes provisions requiring the Department to contract with a third party research organization to conduct a needs assessment of the Illinois substance use disorder treatment system. Makes other changes. Amends the Hypodermic Syringes and Needles Act. Provides that the Act shall not prohibit the sale, possession, or use of hypodermic syringes or hypodermic needles by a staff person, volunteer, or participant in a needle or hypodermic syringe access program. Effective immediately.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HB 900
Signed into law · Illinois House · Co-sponsor
INCARCERATION-REIMBURSE-REPEAL

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Repeals a provision making committed persons responsible to reimburse the Department of Corrections for the expenses incurred by their incarceration at a rate to be determined by the Department. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure to make conforming changes. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) The Department does not currently collect cost of incarceration funds from committed persons, so there is no resulting fiscal impact should this provision be repealed. There are no new incarceration sanctions, enhanced incarceration penalties, or policy requirements for the Department associated with these provisions. Therefore, there is no corrections population impact on the Department of Corrections. Fiscal Note (Dept of Corrections) The Department does not currently collect cost of incarceration funds from committed persons, so there is no resulting fiscal impact should this provision be repealed. There are no new incarceration sanctions, enhanced incarceration penalties, or policy requirements for the Department associated with these provisions. Therefore, there is no corrections population impact on the Department of Corrections.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 75
Signed into law · Illinois Senate · Co-sponsor
HOTEL CASINO EMPLOYEE SAFETY

Creates the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act. Requires hotels and casinos to adopt anti-sexual harassment policies and make panic buttons available to certain employees. Prohibits retaliation against an employee for using a panic button, availing himself or herself of the protections afforded by an anti-sexual harassment policy, or disclosing, reporting, or testifying about violations of the Act. Provides remedies for noncompliance. Limits home rule powers. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with provisions substantially similar to the introduced bill with the following changes: defines the terms "casino employer" and "hotel employer"; provides for the utilization of a safety device rather than a panic button; requires time off to be granted to file criminal complaints rather than sign police complaints; removes requirement that anti-harassment policies be posted in Polish; limits economic damage awards to $350 per incident; deletes the home rule preemption; provides that before a representative of employees may bring a claim on behalf of employees, the employer must be given 15 calendar days within which to correct the violation. Effective July 1, 2020. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Adds a definition. Defines the term "sexual assault" to mean: (1) an act of sexual conduct, as defined in Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; or (2) any act of sexual penetration, as defined in Section 11-0.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 and includes, without limitation, acts prohibited under Sections 11-1.20 through 11-1.60 of the Criminal Code of 2012. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: New Act 5 ILCS 140/7.5 20 ILCS 2105/2105-15 710 ILCS 5/1 from Ch. 10, par. 101 775 ILCS 5/1-103 from Ch. 68, par. 1-103 775 ILCS 5/2-101 from Ch. 68, par. 2-101 775 ILCS 5/2-102 from Ch. 68, par. 2-102 775 ILCS 5/2-108 new 775 ILCS 5/2-109 new 775 ILCS 5/2-110 new 775 ILCS 5/7-109.1 from Ch. 68, par. 7-109.1 775 ILCS 5/7A-102 from Ch. 68, par. 7A-102 775 ILCS 5/8-109 from Ch. 68, par. 8-109 775 ILCS 5/8-109.1 new 820 ILCS 180/5 820 ILCS 180/10 820 ILCS 180/15 820 ILCS 180/20 820 ILCS 180/25 820 ILCS 180/30 820 ILCS 180/45 5 ILCS 420/4A-101 from Ch. 127, par. 604A-101 5 ILCS 420/4A-101.5 new 5 ILCS 420/4A-102 from Ch. 127, par. 604A-102 5 ILCS 420/4A-105 from Ch. 127, par. 604A-105 5 ILCS 420/4A-106 from Ch. 127, par. 604A-106 5 ILCS 420/4A-106.5 new 5 ILCS 420/4A-107 from Ch. 127, par. 604A-107 5 ILCS 420/4A-108 5 ILCS 430/5-10.5 5 ILCS 430/20-5 5 ILCS 430/20-10 5 ILCS 430/20-50 5 ILCS 430/20-63 new 5 ILCS 430/25-5 5 ILCS 430/25-10 5 ILCS 430/25-50 5 ILCS 430/25-63 new 5 ILCS 430/70-5 25 ILCS 170/4.7 Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the provisions of the engrossed bill, and makes the following changes: Creates the Workplace Transparency Act. Limits the terms of employment agreements that restrict specified employee rights with respect to allegations of unlawful conduct. Amends the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Division of Professional Regulation of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must exchange information with the Department of Human Rights regarding recommendations received regarding a licensee or candidate for licensure who has committed a civil rights violation that may lead to the refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license from the Division of Professional Regulation. Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act. Requires the Department of Human Rights to adopt a model sexual harassment prevention training program and provides that all employers shall use the model or establish a training program that equals or exceeds the minimum standards provided by the model. Makes other changes concerning: definitions; procedures following an employer's failure to post required notices; employer disclosure requirements, and bar and restaurant sexual harassment policies and prevention training. Makes a corresponding change in the Freedom of Information Act. Creates the Sexual Harassment Victim Representation Act. Provides that in any proceeding in which a victim who is a member of a union has accused a perpetrator who is a member of the same union, the victim and the perpetrator may not be represented in the proceeding by the same union representative. Amends the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. Defines "gender violence" and makes the Act applicable in instances of gender violence. Amends the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act. Modifies the disclosure of economic interests Article to provide for separate provisions concerning statements of economic interests to be filed with the Secretary of State and the county clerk respectively. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the Lobbyist Registration Act to require annual participation in harassment and discrimination prevention training. Further amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. Makes changes concerning: rights of persons subjected to discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment; jurisdiction and duties of Executive Inspectors General, the Executive Ethics Commission, the Legislative Inspector General, and the Legislative Ethics Commission; complaint process, reporting, and independent review of allegations of sexual harassment made against an elected official; and other matters. Contains severability language. Effective January 1, 2020, except (i) the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act takes effect July 1, 2020; and (ii) the changes to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, and the Lobbyist Registration Act take effect immediately.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 1731
Signed into law · Illinois Senate · Co-sponsor
SCH CD-MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Amends the School Code. With regard to the in-service training program on the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, provides that the program must utilize evidence-based training that educates the participants on (i) recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders, including common psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major clinical depression, and anxiety disorders and common substance use disorders such as opioids and alcohol, (ii) providing referrals to mental health or substance use disorder services or other support to individuals in the early stages of developing a mental illness or substance use disorder, recommending resources available in the community for individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder, and recommending any other relevant resources, and (iii) ensuring the safe de-escalation of crisis situations involving individuals with a mental illness. Provides that a school district may utilize the Mental Health First Aid training program to provide the training. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. With regard to the in-service training program on the warning signs of mental illness and suicidal behavior in youth, provides that a school district may utilize the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program, established under the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act and administered by certified instructors trained by a national association recognized as an authority in behavioral health, to provide the training. Provides that if licensed school personnel or an administrator obtains mental health first aid training outside of an in-service training program, he or she may present a certificate of successful completion of the training to the school district to satisfy the training requirements.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 1460
Signed into law · Illinois Senate · Co-sponsor
IL TEACHING EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

Amends the School Code. Provides that priority in the distribution of funds appropriated for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program must be given to a qualified educator employed by an Organizational Unit assigned to Tier 1 under the evidence-based funding formula of the Code. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. With regard to the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program, provides that if adequate funds are available, incentives under the Program must include (i) a one-time incentive of $3,000 payable to National Board certified teachers teaching in Tier 1 rural or remote school districts, (ii) an annual incentive of $3,200 for National Board certified teacher rural or remote candidate cohort facilitators, and (iii) an annual incentive of $2,500 for National Board certified teacher rural or remote liaisons; defines terms. Makes the program applicable to qualified educators who are employed by or retired from schools districts (rather than just employed by school districts) and who are in the process of obtaining licensure through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Changes references of poverty or low-performing schools to Tier 1 school districts. Makes other changes.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HB 3435
Signed into law · Illinois House · Co-sponsor
INS CODE-EPINEPHRINE INJECTOR

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code. Provides that a policy of accident and health insurance or a managed care plan shall provide coverage for epinephrine injectors for persons 18 years of age or under. Makes conforming changes in the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971, the Counties Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the School Code, the Health Maintenance Organization Act, the Limited Health Service Organization Act, the Voluntary Health Services Plans Act, and the Illinois Public Aid Code. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Specifies that the required coverage for epinephrine injectors for persons under the age of 18 years of age is limited to medically necessary epinephrine injectors.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HB 2265
Signed into law · Illinois House · Co-sponsor
SCH CD-CIVICS COURSE

Amends the School Code. Provides that every public elementary school shall include in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, at least one semester of civics education; specifies course content requirements and requires the education to be in accordance with Illinois Learning Standards for social science. Allows school districts to consult with civics education stakeholders, as deemed appropriate by the State Board of Education. Allows school districts to utilize private funding available for the purposes of offering civics education. Effective July 1, 2019. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Provides that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year (rather than the 2019-2020 school year), every public elementary school shall include in its 6th, 7th, or 8th grade curriculum at least one semester of civics education. Changes the effective date of the Act to July 1, 2020 (rather than July 1, 2019).

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HB 3663
Signed into law · Illinois House · Co-sponsor
LIMITED COOPERATIVE ASSOC ACT

Creates the Limited Cooperative Association Act. Authorizes the organization of a limited cooperative association, as an entity distinct from its members, for any lawful purpose, whether or not for profit. Provides that a limited cooperative association may be a collective worker cooperative in which there is only one class of members consisting of worker-members who manage all of the affairs of the limited cooperative association or a worker cooperative or employment cooperative that includes a class of worker-members who are natural persons whose patronage consists of labor contributed to or other work performed for the limited cooperative association. Contains provisions regarding: findings; formation; articles of organization; organization; bylaws; members; community investors; voting; a board of directors; an assembly; dissolution; conversion; and applicability of securities laws. Amends the Co-operative Act and the Illinois Securities Law of 1953 to make conforming changes. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Changes the short title of the new Act to the Limited Worker Cooperative Association Act. Authorizes the establishment of limited worker cooperative associations rather than limited cooperative associations. Eliminates patron members as a form of membership. Provides for multi-stakeholder cooperatives. Changes the effective date to January 1, 2020.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 24
Signed into law · Illinois Senate · Co-sponsor
VEH CD-FREIGHT TRAIN CREW SIZE

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that no rail carrier shall operate a train or light engine used in connection with the movement of freight unless it has an operating crew consisting of at least 2 individuals. Provides that the minimum freight train crew size shall remain in effect until a federal law or rule encompassing the subject matter has been adopted. Grants the Illinois Commerce Commission the power to conduct evidentiary hearings, make findings, and issue and enforce orders, including sanctions, with respect to freight train crew member size. Provides that "train or light engine" does not include trains operated by a hostler service or utility employees. Fiscal Note (Illinois Commerce Commission) The Commision does not anticipate needing additional resources to fulfill the requirements of this bill.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor HB 246
Signed into law · Illinois House · Co-sponsor
SCH CD-HISTORY-LGBT

Amends the School Code. With regard to the textbook block grant program, provides that the textbooks authorized to be purchased must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act and must be non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under the Act. Provides that textbooks purchased with grant funds must be non-discriminatory. Provides that in public schools only, the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State. Effective July 1, 2020. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to House Bill 246, as it is not a supplemental appropriation that increases or decreases appropriations. Under the Act, a balanced budget note must be prepared only for bills that change a general funds appropriation for the fiscal year in which the new bill is enacted. Correctional Note (Dept of Corrections) There is no fiscal or population impact on the Department of Corrections. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in House Bill 246; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. State Debt Impact Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill would not change the amount of authorization for any type of State-issued or State-supported bond, and, therefore, would not affect the level of State indebtedness. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This bill would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill does not impact any public pension fund or retirement system in Illinois. Housing Affordability Impact Note (Housing Development Authority) This bill will have no effect on the cost of constructing, purchasing, owning, or selling a single-family residence. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate. Home Rule Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not pre-empt home rule authority. Fiscal Note (IL State Board of Education) This bill will not have a fiscal impact on the State Board of Education.

Signed into law Aug 9, 2019 1 co-sponsor
Showing 1,161 to 1,170 of 1,279 bills