Peters advances measure to protect victims of gender-based violence

SPRINGFIELD – With the intention to expand upon domestic violence laws, State Senator Robert Peters passed a measure through committee on Wednesday to protect victims of gender-based violence.

“Current domestic violence laws unfortunately have loopholes that can cause incarcerated survivors to get their resentencing request dismissed,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Expanding upon current domestic violence laws and including protections for victims of gender-based violence helps survivors during their fight for freedom.”

Under current law, relief from judgement following a domestic violence incident is applied when the survivor’s offense was related to having previously having been a victim of domestic violence.

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Gillespie advances legislation providing foster youth with legal counsel

SPRINGFIELD — Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services are one step closer to guaranteed legal representation thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that passed committee on Tuesday.

“Youth in care deserve to have a voice in the decisions being made about their future,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Guaranteeing they have legal representation puts someone in their corner — an advocate who will stand up in court and fight for the outcomes the child wants to see.”

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Peters passes measure protecting homeowners and tenants

SPRINGFIELD – A measure adding protections for homeowners and tenants who lose their home or residence due to a property tax sale as a result of unpaid property taxes sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters passed committee on Tuesday.

“Adding protections for homeowners and tenants with overdue property taxes upholds the humanity of those going through tough times,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Homeowners and tenants need to be protected from predatory tax deed purchasers.”

Current law requires tax deed purchasers to give renters notices to move immediately, with no regard to how long they have lived at the property or if the renter has a written or oral rental agreement. Tax deed purchasers have the right to file an eviction against the renter and anyone living at the property under current law, which can negatively affect the renter’s credit record even if the renter did no wrong.

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Simmons expands health care access for liver disease screening

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage of preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation from the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.

“The best chance at fighting any disease is early detection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will provide liver disease screenings to people who need them, regardless of their health insurer status. Identifying liver disease early improves long-term health outcomes, especially for those most at-risk.”

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease. These screenings may occur every six months, and plans will be prohibited from imposing a deductible, coinsurance, co-payment or any other cost-sharing requirement.

Read more: Simmons expands health care access for liver disease screening