State lawmaker sponsoring bill for schools to have kosher and halal foods available

Posted on October 26, 2023
State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). (Facebook/State Senator Ram Villivalam)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A bill outlining how kosher and halal can be used in schools is too easy to inadvertently violate, some lawmakers say.

“Either ISP or Department of Corrections or Department of Human Services could open up the wrong meal. Because it came through the master contract that it’s okay,” said State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro).

The sponsor, State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago), said the rules would be clearly outlined.

SB 457 has passed the Senate, 43-15.

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