Murphy advances measure to address speeding in school zones
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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy has advanced a measure that would increase public safety around schools and parks by allowing the use of automated speed cameras.
“Automated speed cameras can play a crucial role in deterring reckless driving and protecting our children,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Speeding near parks and schools poses a significant danger to pedestrians and park-goers.”
The measure would permit Cook County municipalities outside Chicago to install automated speed cameras in safety zones – the 660-foot buffers around schools and parks. Chicago was given the authority to establish automated speed cameras in safety zones in 2011, and Murphy’s measure would expand this permission to other Cook County municipalities with populations over 35,000.
Read more: Murphy advances measure to address speeding in school zones
Villa measure fortifying protections against patient abuse advances
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SPRINGFIELD – A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa expanding protections against patient abuse passed the Senate on Sunday. This comes following an investigation into the issue conducted by the Chicago Tribune.
“Patients should be trusting of the health care professionals responsible for their care and well-being,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Before that trust is defied, laws must be in place to ensure patient safety.”
House Bill 3521 would require hospital affiliates to report suspected abuse of a patient at hospitals and facilities operated by a hospital affiliate, such as doctor’s offices and clinics. The measure would also explicitly prohibit employees of hospital affiliates from abusing a patient including medical staff, administrators, agents or other employees.
Read more: Villa measure fortifying protections against patient abuse advances
Lightford leads charge to regulate hemp, delta-8 products
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SPRINGFIELD – Delta-8, a synthetic hemp-derived THC intoxicant with serious side effects, often is sold at gas stations and other locations near schools. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed a measure to regulate these hemp products, ultimately keeping kids away from its dangerous effects.
“I am proud of the diligent steps we have taken to protect consumers of all ages, help our cannabis industry flourish, keep the promise to our social equity communities, and not stifle reputable hemp business establishments,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.”
A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 11% of high school seniors report using delta-8. In response, Lightford is sponsoring House Bill 4293 to regulate hemp derived THC, including delta-8 products.
Read more: Lightford leads charge to regulate hemp, delta-8 products
Sims to enhance and streamline pretrial services
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SPRINGFIELD – To streamline a fair and just pretrial process, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. collaborated with the court system to enhance the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services through a measure he passed through the Senate Sunday.
“The Office of Statewide Pretrial Services will serve as a beacon of fairness, equity and efficiency in this critical phase of the legal process,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “By assessing risk rather than wealth, the office will ensure that pretrial decisions are rooted in principles of justice, not financial privilege.”
Following the passage of the Pretrial Fairness Act in 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court created the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services. It employs pretrial service officers who conduct pretrial investigations and provide pretrial supervision. To date, the office has completed 11,932 investigations and 11,607 defendants have been ordered to its supervision.
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SPRINGFIELD – Ensuring middle school students receive equal opportunity to earn high school credits, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to provide seventh- and eighth-grade students with the option to earn high school credit for high... -
SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to curb the growing threat of synthetic drugs, State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation in the Senate to regulate the use of xylazine — a powerful animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and tied to overdose de... -
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to ensure transparency from health care providers and protect patients from unexpected fees on bills, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure through committee that would require hospitals to be more explicit about t... -
SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses. “We teach children at a young age... -
SPRINGFIELD – To offer clarity for patients and pharmacies, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring a measure to ease restrictions on medication containing ephedrine – a drug commonly used to treat allergies and low blood pressure – if it is prescri...
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