Correctional officers, deputies get a victory under Cunningham measure

SPRINGFIELD – To help correctional officers and deputy sheriffs utilize their training for secondary employment, State Senator Bill Cunningham passed a measure through the Illinois Senate that would allow correctional officers and deputy sheriffs to carry a firearm off duty.

“Our law enforcement officers are overworked and underpaid,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “The ability to utilize peace officer training in secondary employment will help them financially and protect businesses in our community.”

Read more: Correctional officers, deputies get a victory under Cunningham measure

Streamlined application process for cannabis workers passes Senate thanks to Senator Castro

SPRINGFIELD – As the cannabis industry continues to grow in Illinois, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has championed a measure to ensure prospective employees at dispensary or cultivation centers have an equitable application process.

“The cannabis industry has provided a boost to the Illinois economy,” Castro said. “Streamlining the process for people to get involved in this business will ensure a more equitable, diverse workforce and bring multiple cannabis laws on the books in line with each other.”

Currently, individuals who wish to work for a cannabis dispensary or cultivation center are subject to two different application processes – one for medical and one for adult-use. However, practically speaking most medical dispensaries also serve adult use cannabis.  House Bill 2380 streamlines the process for prospective dispensary and cultivation center employees to receive their identification cards by consolidating the application process.

Read more: Streamlined application process for cannabis workers passes Senate thanks to Senator Castro

Murphy tackles rising crime rates, supports funding for expressway cameras

SPRINGFIELD – More counties across the state may soon have access to funding for expressway cameras, thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Crimes on expressways are not exclusive to Cook County,” Murphy said. “If we want to prioritize public safety, we need to make sure Illinoisans in all parts of the state have access to the best crime deterring technology—expressway cameras assist the police as they investigate crimes on the road.”

Cameras are an important resource for law enforcement to investigate crimes that occur on the road. Under current law, the Illinois Department of Transportation must use revenue from the Road Fund to fund any cameras on expressways under their jurisdiction. Murphy’s House Bill 4481 would expand the funds available for cameras by including expressways under the Illinois Tollway Authority’s jurisdiction. The Tollway must include funds intended for cameras in their annual budget request.

Read more: Murphy tackles rising crime rates, supports funding for expressway cameras

Collins: Violence reduction must thrive in tandem with housing stability initiatives

SPRINGFIELD – In response to the confirmation of the state’s budget for fiscal year 2023, State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) issued the following statement:

“This year’s budget effectively demonstrates a commitment to reducing the violence in our neighborhoods and making meaningful reform to our systems for the purpose of correcting general disparities and discrimination. With significant allocations to the Reimagine Public Safety Act and funding for law enforcement training, license plate readers and body cameras, we will grow closer to a more equitable and stability-inducing state.”

Read more: Collins: Violence reduction must thrive in tandem with housing stability initiatives