Senate passes Simmons’ bill requiring safer bicycle crossings
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SPRINGFIELD – Following two fatal cycling accidents in the 7th District, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a measure out of the Senate to increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by requiring permanent vehicle crossing signs be added to bike trails.
“All pedestrians and cyclists should know that they are safe when choosing a mode of transportation alternative to a motor vehicle,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Last summer we tragically lost two toddlers in two separate cycling accidents. This bill is in direct response to those preventable tragedies, addressing the need for greater protections overall for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Senate Bill 1710 expands the responsibility of any entity that owns a bike trail, requiring them to erect warning signs along the path warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 150 feet before the crossing. The bill ensures cyclists on a trail have ample warning to know when to slow down and stop before a busy intersection. Permanent signage on state roadways warning vehicles of bicycle trail crossings will also be erected within 150 feet of a trail crossing so vehicles can yield.
Read more: Senate passes Simmons’ bill requiring safer bicycle crossings
Senator Fine bill supporting PANDAS/PANS patients barred from insurance plans passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – Patients with PANDAS and PANS have historically faced challenges receiving the health care coverage they need through insurance plans. An initiative led by State Senator Laura Fine would ensure patients are able to access all necessary treatment for these conditions without facing barriers from insurance companies, closing current loopholes some insurers are utilizing to not cover essential care.
“Without proper treatment, PANDAS and PANS can be debilitating diseases,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This measure will make this essential treatment more accessible for patients, helping them recover and improve their quality of life.”
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) occur after an infection, most commonly a strep infection. Brain inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to autoimmune processes that affect central nervous system function. An affected child generally has a sudden, dramatic change in personality, displayed as symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder like anxiety, tics or other abnormal movements, personality changes, sensory sensitivities, restrictive eating and more.
Gillespie passes expanded coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices
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SPRINGFIELD – People needing a prosthetic or orthotic device to perform certain physical activities may soon have an easier time obtaining the equipment they need, thanks to a measure led by State Senator Ann Gillespie.
“Proper prosthetic and orthotic devices can be life-changing,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “It is unacceptable that a lack of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs prevent people from getting the devices they need to be physically active.”
Current law requires accident and health insurance plans to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices when they are deemed medically necessary. Senate Bill 2195, which passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday, expands the definition of what is considered medically necessary to include physical activities like running, biking, swimming and weight lifting.
Read more: Gillespie passes expanded coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices
Simmons bill to increase youth access to mental health care passes Senate
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SPRINGFIELD – To increase the availability and accessibility of mental health resources for students, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an initiative out of the Senate on Wednesday.
“Mental health has become a leading concern for parents and children today, yet there are still gaps in mental health care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This legislation will help to support youth, their families, and schools by providing support, access and resources so students can find mental health care while they are at school.”
Senate Bill 1709 would require the Illinois Department of Human Services and the State Board of Education to provide technical assistance for mental health care during school days to help increase the access students have to mental health services.
Read more: Simmons bill to increase youth access to mental health care passes Senate
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