Connor’s new law increases training requirements for gun-carrying private detectives and security

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) will help prevent potentially fatal accidents by increasing training requirements for private detectives and private security guards who want to carry firearms.

“Private detectives and security guards who want to carry guns need to be properly trained,” Connor said. “They need to know when and how it is appropriate to use deadly force.”

Existing law required security guards to complete 40 hours of basic training to be licensed as private security contractors. Guards employed by corporations were able to carry weapons without completing the required training if the corporation they work for employs five or less armed guards. The new law would require all armed employees to complete the training and creates even more stringent training requirements for private detectives and private security contractors.

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Gillespie TIF transparency measure signed into law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To ensure that tax increment financing (TIF) dollars are used responsibly, a plan introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that expands required reporting by municipalities to the Illinois Comptroller was signed into law.

“Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how TIF developments could affect their property taxes,” Gillespie said. “Our plan will keep developers and local governments honest, and create a transparent process that shows residents whether goals are being met.”

TIF districts are a tool used by municipal governments to stimulate economic development in targeted areas. The new law requires more consistent, measurable data on the success of the TIF project by expanding what local governments must report annually to the Comptroller’s Office. Expanded reporting requirements include projected and actual job creation, and projected and actual increment. The legislation also requires the report to be verified by a neutral third party.

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Feigenholtz law aims to streamline adoption process

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) will help streamline the adoption process in Illinois.

“Prospective parents waiting to adopt have shared their challenges in the adoption process,” Feigenholtz said. “This legislation will ease some of these challenges and streamline the process while protecting the best interest of the child. Bringing a child into a loving home through the process of adoption should be a blessed experience.”

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Veterans, Illinoisans with disabilities will not need to reapply for property tax homestead exemption under Connor’s new law

SPRINGFIELD – Veterans and civilians in Illinois as well as older adults will be eligible for homestead exemptions without having to reapply thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator John Connor that was signed into law Friday.

“By not requiring members of these already at-risk populations to reapply for this important tax exemption, we are helping to keep them safe from COVID-19 and other dangerous and communicable illnesses,” Connor said. “When we help keep people at home, we help keep people safe.”

Homestead exemptions can be approved for people with disabilities, veterans with disabilities and older adults without new applications under House Bill 3289. Any property that was approved for the exemption in tax year 2019 will qualify, provided that the county the property is in is declared a disaster area related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more: Veterans, Illinoisans with disabilities will not need to reapply for property tax homestead...