During his time as State Representative, Ellis Levin was the chief sponsor of new laws protecting Ethnic and Religious Minority Rights, including:

•Illinois Hate Crime Act - made convictions for a attacking someone based on their perceived race, religion, sexual orientation a felony; strengthened legislation requiring local law enforcement agencies to report incidents of hate crimes to the Illinois State Police.

•Illinois Ethnic Intimidation Law - made it a crime to vandalize temples and cemeteries; also covers the trespass of residential property and nonresidential property

. •Illinois Telephone Harassment law.

•Required all state and local governments in Illinois to permit their employees to take time off for religious observances.

•Mandated public colleges, universities, and local public schools to permit students to take time off for religious observances and make up tests given during such absences.