Villa measure expanding access to non-opioid prescriptions advances

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would increase access to non-opioid prescription medication to address the often-fatal addictiveness of prescription opioids.

“Prescription opioid medications are highly addictive, leading to countless deaths during the opioid epidemic, which our communities are still facing today,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “By expanding access to non-opioid alternatives, individuals will still be able to receive the care they need while reducing their risk of developing a serious addiction.”

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Alzheimer’s treatments more accessible under Murphy proposal

SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may become more accessible thanks to a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Early and consistent access to Alzheimer’s treatment can make a real difference for patients and their families,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “No one should be denied care that could slow the disease’s progression.”

The measure would require group or individual health insurance plans to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Many available treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease.

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Simmons Bill Allows for Safer Movement for Cyclists in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed a bill through committee on Tuesday that would allow bicyclists to perform an Idaho Stop and safely move through intersections.

“Current rules of the road prevent cyclists from being able to safely react to traffic in an intersection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill grants riders the ability to make the safest decision possible when approaching a stop sign.”

Under the new legislation, Senate Bill 2111, anyone operating a bicycle on the roadways of Illinois would have the ability to perform an Idaho stop.

Read more: Simmons Bill Allows for Safer Movement for Cyclists in Illinois

Guzmán initiative to create transparency on how contraband enters prisons

SPRINGFIELD —To better address the growing issue of contraband in prisons, State Senator Graciela Guzmán passed a measure through committee to collect and publicize data on contraband found in each Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facility, including how it entered the facility and how those possessing it were punished.

“For the safety of people who are incarcerated as well as staff who have a duty to intervene in these situations, we need to do more to prevent contraband from moving into prisons,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “However, our methods to prevent contraband need to be rooted in facts and data. This new initiative will help us get a better understanding of where contraband is coming from before imposing new regulations that are not based on evidence—methods that further isolate and dehumanize people who are incarcerated.”

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