Kosher Bill Passes in Illinois After Over Two Years of Advocacy

Notably, the law also amends kosher food laws. The law prohibits the sale of foods falsely labeled as certified kosher, but could not be enforced because it did not include a legal definition of kosher. This bill now provides definitions that allow enforcement of kosher food laws.

Rabbi Shlomo Soroka, director of government affairs for Agudath Israel of Illinois, said: The success of this bill came after the Governor’s veto of a previous version of the bill and extensive collaboration among stakeholders. We are committed to this goal with the bill’s lead sponsors, Agudath Israel, Sen. Ram Billivalam (D-Chicago) and Rep. Kevin Orical (D-Chicago), Muslim partners, and other stakeholders. I would like to thank the Governor and his team for working together to achieve this. Important milestone. ”

The passage of SB457 is a landmark achievement and reflects a commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse religious practices in public institutions with bipartisan support.

“Ensuring that young people have access to foods that comply with dietary restrictions is essential to their health,” said State Senator Ram Villivaram. “This action builds on our commitment to continue to remove barriers to accessing food, especially in schools, and provide an inclusive environment for all.”

“With the passage of this legislation, students across Illinois will have access to religiously sensitive lunches. We foster a learning environment where students feel valued and supported,” said State Representative Kevin Orical. “This is a victory for our students, their families, and the principles that make our state strong.”