Morrison advocates for improved support for sexual assault survivors

SPRINGFIELD — To support sexual assault survivors, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would remove barriers and improve protections for individuals seeking medical care.

“Survivors deserve compassionate care that meets their needs and empowers their choices,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Healing from trauma takes time and courage, and our systems should support this journey.”

Senate Bill 1602 works to create a more supportive and responsive system for those receiving care after a sexual assault. Morrison worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office who spearheaded this initiative, which includes a number of changes in how hospitals handle sexual assault cases based on recommendations from the state’s Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act Implementation Task Force.

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Senate greenlights Edly-Allen bill to create certified therapy dog crisis response program

SPRINGFIELD — The use of therapy dogs to aid people struggling with PTSD and anxiety has steadily increased nationwide. Over 50,000 therapy dogs are in service today. In an effort to increase the number of therapy dogs available during times of crisis, State Senator Mary Edly-Allen spearheaded Senate Bill 1491 through the Senate.

“Therapy dogs have the ability to help reduce stress-induced trauma, bringing instant comfort and relief,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This bill helps officer wellness and provides the communities officers are serving with certified therapy K-9s to help those in a time of need.”

Read more: Senate greenlights Edly-Allen bill to create certified therapy dog crisis response program

Guzmán measure increasing transparency on how contraband enters prisons passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD —State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s latest initiative, which would collect and publicize data on contraband found in each Department of Corrections  facility, passed the Senate, making it one step closer to becoming law and preventing overdose in facilities throughout the state.

“Looking at the recent rates of overdoses in state-run prisons, it is clear that contraband drugs are being proliferated, putting thousands of people who are incarcerated at risk of exposure and death,” said  Guzmán. “To prevent these tragedies, we need to better understand where contraband is coming from, and this initiative will work to study the source of these materials and publicize it so that we can create a plan grounded in evidence to prevent overdose.”

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Murphy’s measure aims to increase safety around schools

SPRINGFIELD – Children who walk to and from school would be safer under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Every parent wants to know that their child reached their school safely, but with distracted driving on the rise, even a simple walk to school can be stressful,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines.) “One thing that we can do to help reduce distraction is installing flashing beacons at crosswalks.”

Senate Bill 1941 allows local governments to install rapidly flashing beacons at pedestrian crosswalks near schools. These beacons activate when pedestrians use the crosswalk, alerting drivers to their presence.

Read more: Murphy’s measure aims to increase safety around schools