Peters advances measure to update outdated child labor laws

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to safeguard the rights of young people, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure out of the Senate to update regulations on child labor to shield young individuals from exploitation.

“This measure shows we're committed to keeping young people in the workforce safe,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Protecting youth in work environments gives them the opportunity to learn and grow while contributing positively to the economy without fear of harm.”

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Stadelman to protect residents from adverse medical debt reporting

SPRINGFIELD – Burdensome medical debt can quickly snowball, making it difficult for people to keep up with the cost and, in turn, affecting their credit scores. During a press conference Wednesday, State Senator Steve Stadelman outlined his measure aimed at prohibiting consumer reporting agencies from including adverse information related to medical debt in credit reports.

“Medical debt should not be a barrier to financial stability or access to credit opportunities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This bill seeks to ensure that individuals are not unfairly penalized for seeking necessary medical care or experiencing financial hardship due to health care expenses.”

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.

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Porfirio measure to notify potential renters of flood risks one step closer to law

SPRINGFIELD – Last summer, significant flooding hit Cook County in the wake of historic storms, leaving numerous properties with immense damage and leading President Joe Biden to approve a federal disaster declaration for the area. In response, State Senator Mike Porfirio is leading legislation to address future flooding concerns by giving renters the right to receive critical information about a property’s flooding history before they sign their lease.

“This bill is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and wellbeing of tenants across the state,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “By requiring landlords to disclose flood hazards, we are arming renters with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their families from potential harm.”

Berwyn and Cicero – in the district Porfirio represents – received nearly nine inches of rain in a matter of hours from a storm on June 2 last summer, causing extensive damage to residential and commercial properties and requiring costly repairs. 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.

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Morrison passes measure to expand insurance coverage for diabetes supplies

SPRINGFIELD – The cost of managing diabetes can be a significant burden for many families. To help ease the financial strain experienced by people with the condition, State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to expand insurance coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies.

“Being forced to make the choice between insulin and other necessities is unacceptable,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is my goal to ensure that insurance companies adequately cover life-saving medication for people with all types of diabetes.”

Senate Bill 3414 would require insurance companies to cover glucose monitors, related supplies, and training on how to use glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with any form of diabetes. Under the measure, a person would not need to have prior authorization for coverage for a glucose monitor and any physician would be allowed to prescribe them.

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