Castro fights for transparency in firefighter death records

SPRINGFIELD — Firefighting is an inherently dangerous, vitally important profession. Nearly every firefighter knows someone who has died or been seriously injured in the line of duty, yet the state does not currently track Illinois firefighter deaths, leading State Senator Cristina Castro to introduce a plan to change that.

“These brave men and women risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “As we learn more about the unique risks firefighters face, such as an elevated threat of lung cancer and the potential dangers associated with firefighting foam, it is imperative we seek answers.”

Over the past 20 years, nearly 2,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to injuries and deaths that occur in the line of duty, firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer and other illnesses – highlighting the need for state-level data to guide interventions that protect their health and safety.

Read more: Castro fights for transparency in firefighter death records

Turner advances measure to create one-stop shop for higher education scholarships

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure to simplify the process for students seeking higher education scholarships.

“After conversations with my summer interns who were applying to college, they stressed the need for a one-stop shop for information on scholarships,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We want to encourage students to continue their education, and this would make it easier for students to see what financial aid is available.”

Senate Bill 1331 would create the Illinois Scholarship Database, developed and administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, to be used as a tool for improving Illinois students' knowledge of and access to higher education scholarships.

Read more: Turner advances measure to create one-stop shop for higher education scholarships

Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure from State Senator Rachel Ventura ensuring that the odor of raw or burnt cannabis could not alone constitute a search of a motor vehicle, driver or passenger passed through the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday.

“A recent state Supreme Court ruling gave a conflicting directive between raw and burnt cannabis, shifting a huge burden to law enforcement to know the difference,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This bill aims to clean up that court ruling by directing law enforcement to consider all factors — not just odor — in deciding if the law has been broken.”

Read more: Ventura measure to remove cannabis odor as probable cause to search a vehicle passes committee

Villivalam law protects those seeking a name change

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a newly signed law to further protect personally identifiable information of those seeking a name change.

“Our residents deserve to be able to change their name in private and without worry for their well-being or safety,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Requiring those seeking a name change to publish such change with a local newspaper relinquishes their privacy and poses a threat to the confidentiality of personally identifiable information.”

As judges retain the discretion to allow someone to change their name, House Bill 5164 removes the requirement to publish a name change with a local newspaper and lowers the Illinois residency requirement from six months to three months.

Read more: Villivalam law protects those seeking a name change