JACK AND JILL ON SPFD. HILL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Jehan Gordon-Booth

Declares October 14, 2025 as Jack and Jill on Springfield’s Hill Day to promote teen civic engagement through an annual advocacy program at the Illinois Capitol.

Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Purpose

H.R. 497 is a non‑binding House resolution that (1) declares October 14, 2025 as “Jack and Jill on Springfield’s Hill Day” in Illinois and expresses support for a teen legislative advocacy day hosted by Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and (2) (in an alternate/paired text included in the bill filing) recognizes and commends Winston “Gypsy” Peters for his cultural and public‑service contributions. The core intent is symbolic: to honor the Jack and Jill youth advocacy program and encourage civic engagement among teens.

Key provisions and program description

Declares October 14, 2025 as Jack and Jill on Springfield’s Hill Day in the State of Illinois.

Expresses legislative support for development and promotion of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.’s teen legislative day of advocacy.

Describes the inaugural “Jack and Jill on Springfield’s Hill” program as:

An annual, hands‑on advocacy seminar held at the Illinois State Capitol (Springfield).
Focused on leadership development, civic education, policy workshops, networking with state officials and community leaders, and practical advocacy skills.
Linked to Jack and Jill of America’s broader youth programs in STE(A)M, Healthy Living, cultural heritage, community service and career readiness.

Separate/alternate text (LC 129 0278/a) included in the filing recognizes Winston “Gypsy” Peters — noting his calypso career, awards (including the Chaconia Medal, Silver), public service posts, and role as Chairman of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago — and directs an official copy of that resolution be made available to him.

Who would be affected

Primarily symbolic: Jack and Jill of America, Inc., its teen members, and local organizers in Illinois who run the legislative day event.

State legislators, staff, and community leaders who engage with the program as hosts, speakers, or mentors.

No regulatory changes or funding authorizations are contained in the resolution.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: January 16, 2025.

Key actions: Referred to committee, placed on local/consent and congratulatory calendars, read and adopted in the House (March 2025), reported enrolled (March 31, 2025).

Later actions (October 2025) show referral to the State Government Administration Committee and a Motion to Suspend Rule 21 that prevailed (10/29/2025).

Because this is a House resolution (symbolic), it does not create enforceable law or appropriate funds.

Notes and clarifications

The filing contains two distinct resolution texts: one establishing/recognizing the Jack and Jill advocacy day and one commending Winston “Gypsy” Peters. These may represent separate items merged in the bill file or alternative/companion texts.

The resolution is ceremonial and intended to promote civic engagement and recognition rather than to change statute or allocate state resources.

Bill