Latin American History, Pet Custody Bills Advance in Springfield

Lawmakers pass measures on curriculum, background checks, and animal custody ahead of legislative deadline

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:00pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and lines in warm earth tones and cool blues, representing the fast-paced legislative process in Illinois.Lawmakers in Springfield advance a flurry of bills on education, worker rights, and social issues ahead of a key legislative deadline.Springfield Today

The Illinois General Assembly has advanced several bills this week, including a measure that would require public schools to teach the contributions of Latin Americans to American history and culture, as well as a bill that would establish a legal process for determining pet custody in non-marital breakups. Other bills address child care worker background checks, a ban on speculative ticket sales, and requirements for construction site bathrooms and CPR training.

Why it matters

These bills reflect ongoing efforts by Illinois lawmakers to update education standards, strengthen worker protections, and address emerging social issues around pets and live events. The Latin American history curriculum mandate aims to make school lessons more inclusive, while the pet custody bill responds to the growing role of animals in people's lives. Together, these measures demonstrate the legislature's responsiveness to the evolving needs and concerns of Illinois residents.

The details

The Latin American history bill would add 'Latin Americans' to the list of ethnic groups whose contributions must be taught in Illinois public schools. Supporters say the term 'Latin American' is more inclusive than 'Hispanic.' Meanwhile, the pet custody bill would allow courts to determine ownership of pets in non-marital breakups, addressing cases where animals have been used as 'leverage.' Other bills address background checks for child care workers, a ban on speculative ticket sales, and requirements for construction site bathrooms and CPR training on breasted manikins.

  • The Latin American history bill would take effect in the 2027-28 school year.
  • The child care worker background check bill would transfer responsibility to the new Department of Early Childhood beginning in 2027.
  • The construction bathroom and CPR training bills are currently advancing through the Illinois General Assembly ahead of a legislative deadline on April 21, 2026.

The players

Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado

The lead sponsor of the Latin American history curriculum bill.

Rep. Laura Faver Dias

A Democratic representative who argued that American history education has historically centered on white males.

Rep. Joyce Mason

The lead sponsor of the child care worker background check bill.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez

The sponsor of the pet custody bill.

Sen. Graciela Guzmán

The sponsor of the construction bathroom bill.

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What they’re saying

“That isn't history. That's a fairy tale, and this mandate will not raise your property taxes.”

— Rep. Laura Faver Dias, Democratic Representative

“Under the new system, background checks will stay with the individual rather than with the center or location, so that will allow them to move from location to location, or even employer to employer.”

— Rep. Joyce Mason, Democratic Representative

“Women and anyone who menstruates have a right to care for their bodies in a dignified and sanitary way. Whether in the office or on the job site, we need common sense accommodations for those who menstruate and those who are lactating.”

— Sen. Graciela Guzmán, Democratic Senator

What’s next

The Latin American history, pet custody, and other bills passed by the Illinois House now move to the Senate for consideration. If approved by the Senate, the bills would then go to the governor's desk for signature into law.

The takeaway

These legislative actions demonstrate Illinois lawmakers' efforts to update education standards, strengthen worker protections, and address emerging social issues around pets and live events. The bills reflect an ongoing push to make the state's policies more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of its residents.