Simmons passes legislation protecting youth survivors of gender violence and human trafficking
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a measure to protect minors who are survivors of human trafficking, and other trauma-related factors, from being tried as adults in a number of criminal court cases.
“Survivors of human trafficking should be provided support and empathy,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “For decades our court systems have failed our youth. It is especially shocking and defies logic that youth who have been forced into abusive relationships and who have been traumatized end up being tried as felons. Trying survivors who are defending themselves while escaping their abusers adds to the trauma they’ve experienced. This is not a humane or civil response to a child who has experienced horrific abuse.”
Inspired by a survivor of child trafficking, Sara Kruzan, who was released and pardoned after being sentenced to life at 17 years of age, House Bill 3414 would reform the justice system to clarify whether a minor should be tried as an adult if the crime the minor commits is against someone who was convicted of human trafficking or of a sex crime targeting the minor within the last three years. If that is the case, the court would be able to transfer them to juvenile court.
Senate Democrats lace up for cancer awareness
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SPRINGFIELD – In the final weeks of spring legislation session, the Illinois Senate Democrats sported sneakers in place of dress shoes to raise awareness of cancer prevention, screening and early detection.
“Today we are wearing suits and sneakers for cancer awareness. This day is to help raise visibility and funds to support the American Cancer Society’s work of supporting those with cancer,” said State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). “As chair of the Public Health Committee, I will continue to stand up and fight to improve our state’s health care for those who need it.”
According to the American Cancer Society, 42% of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, are potentially avoidable. Screening can help prevent and detect some cancers early, when treatment is less invasive and more successful.
Peters champions change to earned sentence credit methods
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SPRINGFIELD – Time served in county jail could soon be included as part of the minimum 60-day sentence required to earn discretionary sentence credit, thanks to State Senator Robert Peters.
“The mission of the Department of Corrections includes promoting progressive change for incarcerated individuals,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Granting sentence credit to those who have participated in rehabilitation programs is not only in line with the mission of the Department of Corrections, but it reimagines the way we envision jails. Instead of correctional facilities, they should be treated as true rehabilitation centers.”
House Bill 3026 would change the Unified Code of Corrections to include time served in county jail as part of the minimum 60-day sentence required before the Director of Corrections may award discretionary earned sentence credit.
Read more: Peters champions change to earned sentence credit methods
Senate Democrats push measures to make health care more accessible
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SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus outlined their plans to make health care more accessible through proposals to cap the cost of EpiPens, make hearing aids free-of-charge, and help patients find the most cost effective avenues to care.
Epinephrine Auto-Injectors are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage of these devices has made this medication increasingly difficult to obtain. That’s why State Senator Mike Halpin is leading House Bill 3639 to limit the EpiPens to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.
“This is a major victory for families struggling to afford this life-saving medication,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “With corporate profits at an all-time high, it’s time to say enough is enough. People’s lives shouldn’t depend on whether or not they can come up with $500.”
Read more: Senate Democrats push measures to make health care more accessible
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