Indian American State Senator from Illinois Ram Villivalam, succeeded in getting two of his bills, one to protect firefighters from forever chemicals, and the other to raise the age for drivers licenses, May 22, 2025.
Firefighters bill
With the support of the Associated Firefighters of Illinois, Sen. Villivalam was able to advance the measure to phase out the use of clothing and equipment containing toxic chemicals known as PFAS, a press release from his office said.
“Firefighters play an essential role in protecting and supporting our neighbors through accidents, illness and more,” said Villivalam, a Democrat who represents Chicago in the upper house. “By allowing harmful chemicals to be used in their clothing and equipment, we are putting their health at risk.”
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in both protective clothing and equipment for their ability to repel water, oil and dirt and provide thermal stability and durability. Recent studies show that the use of PFAS in clothing and equipment has adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer.
House Bill 2409 seeks to address the potential adverse health effects caused by PFAS through phasing out the sale of firefighting personal protective clothing and equipment containing these chemicals. To achieve this, the measure would require the mandatory disclosure of firefighting protective clothing containing PFAS beginning in 2026, progressing to a ban on the clothing in 2027, then transitioning to a ban on both clothing and equipment in 2030.
“Phasing out the use of forever chemicals ensures that our firefighters can continue to respond to incidents in the community without worrying about the long-term health risks associated with the use of PFAS in their gear,” said Villivalam. House Bill 2409 passed the Senate Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Seniors’ Drivers Licenses
With support from the Illinois Secretary of State and the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP, State Senator Ram Villivalam has been leading the effort to reduce the barriers seniors face when looking to renew their driver’s licenses.
“According to the data, seniors are among the safest drivers on our roads. This legislation addresses the discrimination many older adults face by raising the age for driving tests,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “It also brings Illinois in line with 45 other U.S. states by allowing family members to report medical concerns about a relative’s driving ability, regardless of age.”
In 2022, Villivalam spearheaded a measure that instructed the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office to conduct a study on age-related changes which might affect safe driving. This study concluded that Illinois seniors are among the safest drivers on the road and raising the age requirement for the senior driving test has benefited seniors and reduced wait times at driver services facilities, Villivalam noted in the press release.
Building upon this study, House Bill 1226 would raise the age for mandatory, in-person renewals for driver’s licenses from 75 to 79. It would also raise the driving test requirement from age 79 to 87, or 75 and older if the individual holds a commercial driver’s license, to demonstrate their ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Villivalam’s bill would also expand the list of individuals who may submit information to the Secretary of State relative to the medical condition of a driver, if the driver’s condition interferes with their ability to safely operate a vehicle, to include immediate family members such as a spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling or child.
“AARP Illinois proudly recognizes Senator Ram Villivalam for his outstanding leadership in advancing the Road Safety and Fairness Act,” the organization said thanking the Indian American Senator. House Bill 1226 passed the Senate Thursday, May 22.
Both Villivalam initiatives require Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature to become law.
