Suburban towing company holds hearing aid hostage, Cunningham responds with legislative action
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure that would add medical devices to the list of items that can be recovered from a towed vehicle and seeks to address over-the-top towing fees on stolen vehicles.
“I was shocked to find out that car owners are currently not allowed to recover medical devices, like hearing aids, from their vehicles – even if their vehicle is stolen and later towed,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This is a commonsense fix. I think we can all agree that private towing companies shouldn’t be able to hold medical devices hostage in a towed vehicle.”
The legislation was brought to Cunningham from a constituent of the 18th District. The constituent’s vehicle was stolen from outside their residence in Chicago and was eventually located by law enforcement and towed in Alsip. The constituent did not find out where their vehicle was located until a week after it was recovered, receiving a letter in the mail from a suburban towing company that was holding the vehicle. When the constituent went to recover the vehicle, they were told they would have to pay a fee of $1,500, and were not allowed to recover a hearing aid from the vehicle until the fee was paid.
Porfirio measure to notify potential renters of unit flooding risks
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Porfirio advanced legislation aimed at addressing flood-related concerns for tenants by adding disclosure requirements when a property is located in a flood hazard area or a lower-level unit has experienced flooding.
“It is our responsibility to advocate for secure housing environments for our residents,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By championing policies that prioritize awareness, we can protect renters while strengthening our communities against the challenges of flooding.”
Currently, only seven states require some disclosure of flood risk to renters. Porfirio’s measure would equip potential tenants with essential information about flood risks before renting the property, fostering a fair and informed rental market.
Read more: Porfirio measure to notify potential renters of unit flooding risks
Stadelman measure to protect consumers from adverse medical debt reporting
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman is taking a significant step toward safeguarding consumers’ financial well-being by introducing legislation aimed at prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information related to medical debt in credit reports.
“Medical debt should not serve as a barrier to financial stability and opportunity,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No one should have to endure the added stress of damaged credit due to medical expenses beyond their control. This legislation is about ensuring fairness and equity for consumers, regardless of their health status.”
Senate Bill 2933 would prohibit a consumer reporting agency from making a credit report containing any adverse information about the consumer related to medical debt.
Read more: Stadelman measure to protect consumers from adverse medical debt reporting
Feigenholtz advances Business Improvement District legislation
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For Michigan Avenue and downtown revitalization
SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Sara Feigenholtz passed Senate Bill 3679 — a bill three years in the making — out of the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday with bipartisan support, meaning Illinois could soon join 45 states with permissive language to establish Business Improvement Districts.
“The pandemic dealt a blow to downtown business districts across the country. Illinois businesses are recovering, but they need the right tools to succeed,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “BIDs allow businesses to set their own agenda and reinvest 100% of funds they have contributed into safety and other improvements. BIDs are a huge win for retail, hospitality and tourism sectors.”
Read more: Feigenholtz advances Business Improvement District legislation
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