Gillespie measure to strengthen “red flag” laws signed

SPRINGFIELD – To keep families safe from gun violence, a measure strengthening the Firearms Restraining Order Act sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was signed into law today.

“Strengthening red flag laws will keep families safe when a household member shouldn’t have a gun,” Gillespie said. “This new law gives our partners in law enforcement the tools they need to intervene before a tragedy can occur.”

Read more: Gillespie measure to strengthen “red flag” laws signed

Belt's new school food sharing plan to feed students, cut down on waste

SPRINGFIELD – School districts will create a food sharing program for unused food that students can take home thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law today.

“All children need food to thrive, especially when they leave school,” Belt said. “This program builds upon the state’s breakfast and lunch program that is already in place to ensure that kids are fed three healthy meals a day.”

The new law requires all school districts to incorporate a food sharing plan for unused food into their local wellness policy. The program will focus on needy students, with the plan being developed and supported jointly by the district’s local health department.

Currently, every school in Illinois must offer its free lunch and breakfast program to all eligible students. To be eligible, a student must be the recipient of SNAP benefits or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

Similar programs already exist in states, such as Indiana. School districts partner with non-profits to take leftover food and prepare frozen take-home meals for students over the weekends.

“Leftover food should not be thrown away, especially when people are in need,” Belt said. “Many families struggle to keep food on the table and this program will help ensure that our youth are not going to bed hungry.”

The law takes effect immediately.

New Munoz law decreases fees for small trailers

SPRINGFIELD – Registration fees for small trailers will be $36, a significant decrease from the current $118, thanks to a measure sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law today.

“A lot of good times start with a trailer, and especially after the year Illinoisans have had, it’s a great time to lower the up-front cost,” Munoz said. “The previous amount was extremely high, and now people can spend that money on any of the fun activities they’re going to use that trailer for, rather than on the fee.”

The new law classifies all trailers weighing 2,000 pounds or less as “utility trailers” and sets the utility trailer registration fee at $36. Fees were increased on these trailers in 2019 as a part of the Rebuild Illinois capital infrastructure plan.

Read more: New Munoz law decreases fees for small trailers

Stadelman measure to address blighted properties becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) that would help cities and counties address blighted properties was signed into law Friday.

“Blighted properties don’t just affect the lots next door. They damage the value of all homes on the block,” Stadelman said. “Giving our local governments the tools to fight against these properties will help revitalize our communities.”

Read more: Stadelman measure to address blighted properties becomes law