"This new law will bring transparency to consumers and guarantee they are armed with enough information to make a well-informed decision.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – Legislation protecting consumers from deceptive leases was signed into law last week. Senate Bill 885 will protect renters from “rent-to-own” schemes that are often fraught with deceptive terms and conditions.

In a survey conducted by Housing Action Illinois, only 12% of housing counselors reported they believed people considering rent-to-own home ownership opportunities understand the differences between rent-to-own and home ownership with a mortgage.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored the Installment Sales Contract Act and issued the following statement:

“Deceptive lending practices are a recipe for financial disaster. Rent-to-own leases are often misleading and hit consumers with ballooning costs and hidden fees. This new law will bring transparency to consumers and guarantee they are armed with enough information to make a well-informed decision.”

Under the new law, renters who enter into rent-to-own contracts must be given information such a schedule of payments and a record of the contract. The law also expands eligibility for foreclosure protections and prohibits prepayment penalties.

The legislation was carried in the House of Representatives by Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria).

The new law takes effect January 1, 2018.

“We should take steps to reduce regulations without compromising consumer safety.” - State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria)

PEORIA – A redundant food handling certificate is no longer required thanks to House Bill 3684, which was signed into law last week by the governor.

Previously, the Illinois Department of Public Health required workers to complete an approved training program and pass an exam provided by an accredited exam provider.

Upon completion of the exam, workers would receive a certificate from the accredited provider. An electronic copy of that certificate and a $35 fee were then sent to the state for an Illinois specific certificate.

State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) sponsored HB 3684, which eliminates both the redundant state certificate and the fee.

“This certificate was simply a well intentioned safety precaution that created an unnecessary burden on small business owners and workers,” Koehler said. “We should take steps to reduce regulations without compromising consumer safety.”

The measure unanimously passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.

PEORIA – Legislation extending a tax credit for historic river communities was signed into law today. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) was a chief co-sponsor of the legislation and issued the following statement:

“This tax credit is an example of what happens when lawmakers put aside their differences to do what is best for their communities and the entire state. In this era of hyper-partisan tension, it is reassuring to see overwhelming bipartisan support for a measure that spurs economic growth in places like Peoria’s Warehouse District.”  

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate voted to override the governor’s veto a new school funding formula today. State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) voted to override the governor’s veto and issued the following statement:

“The governor’s veto could have cost our local schools millions of dollars in state aid and destroyed years of progress. It is time for Illinois to adopt a new school funding formula that fairly funds schools all across the state. Senate bill 1 is the best possible solution to fixing the formula and I believe it should be the law of Illinois.”