Trauma-informed response training strengthened under Edly-Allen measure

SPRINGFIELD — After an Illinois woman had a negative experience with police when filing her sexual assault report, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked alongside her to create Anna’s Law, or Senate Bill 1195, to address a lack of trauma-informed response training within the state.

“No one should be subjected to being re-traumatized and invalidated in any situation,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “After working with the Illinois State Police, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and the Illinois Chiefs of Police I am hopeful that this will greatly improve the current training practices in place.”

Under Senate Bill 1195, police would be required to be trained on how to identify conflicts of interest between officers who may be familiar with victims or those accused of a crime and the options that are available to them on how to address it.

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Villa measure expanding access to non-opioid prescriptions passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Karina Villa that would increase access to alternative options for opioid prescription medication passed the Senate on Thursday.

“With the potential risk of developing a serious addiction from prescription opioids, our health care system should provide alternative options for pain management if that is what a patient is looking for,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “The thousands of individuals across our state who depend on pain management treatment should have access to alternatives that do not put them at risk of developing a substance use disorder.”

Read more: Villa measure expanding access to non-opioid prescriptions passes Senate

Cervantes leads measure to ensure quicker turnaround times for ICJIA grant approvals

SPRINGFIELD – Applicants for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) grants may soon see faster turnarounds on their approvals, thanks to a new initiative led by State Senator Javier Cervantes.

“Grant applicants and workers are suffering from the burden of relying on volunteers to grade ICJIA grant applications,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “With this legislation, both parties will see a faster turnaround time, and not need to deal with unnecessary stress.”

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Ellman to increase firearm storage safety

SPRINGFIELD – In recent years, Illinois has seen over 1,700 gun-related deaths, with firearms being the leading cause of death for children and teens. To prevent further harm and keep Illinois families safe, State Senator Laura Ellman is leading a measure to strengthen safety standards for both firearm owners and individuals with potential access to such firearms.

“Unsecured firearms pose a risk to children and their families,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will help ensure owners of firearms store them in a safe and secure manner, preventing unnecessary injury or death.”

Under current law, firearm owners in Illinois must keep their guns temporarily inoperable and in a securely locked container or location a minor under age 14 without a FOID card would not have reasonable access to.

Read more: Ellman to increase firearm storage safety