SPRINGFIELD – The prevalence of gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services for people who experience problem gambling.
“Like many drugs, gambling activates an addictive part of our brain,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “People who struggle with a gambling disorder deserve the same help and treatment as someone with a drug dependency.”
With expanded access to gambling, the Illinois Department of Human Services found that 68% of adults in the state reported gambling in the past year. Approximately 383,000 people across the state are considered to have a gambling problem and 761,000 people are at risk for developing a gambling problem. By recognizing gambling problems as disorders, Senate Bill 3410 will enable DHS to coordinate prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Read more: Morrison measure to increase resources for gambling disorders passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman’s legislation aimed at combatting hazing has successfully passed the Senate.
“Hazing has no place in our communities, and by closing legal loopholes, we are sending out a clear message: perpetrators will be held accountable,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “No individual should ever feel pressured or coerced into participating in activities that jeopardize their physical or mental health.”
Senate Bill 2934 seeks to strengthen existing laws by explicitly stating that consent or permission from the victim does not absolve perpetrators from prosecution. This reinforces the state’s stance against any form of hazing, regardless of consent.
Read more: Stadelman’s anti-hazing legislation advances to House
SPRINGFIELD – An initiative from social workers at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and State Senator Karina Villa to protect individuals from overdose passed the Senate Friday.
“Social workers are at the forefront of the opioid epidemic, providing services in communities affected by overdose across the state,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “They can help combat the epidemic directly by being able to administer lifesaving medication.”
Senate Bill 3779 would allow licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers to possess and administer opioid antagonists. Opioid antagonists, such as Naloxone, temporarily block the effects of an overdose and restore breathing. Employers of social workers would be required to provide training and establish a policy to control the acquisition, storage, transportation, and administration of opioid antagonists.
Read more: Villa measure to protect individuals from overdose passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD — For people purchasing a home, an upfront cash payment from a real estate agency in exchange for signing a contract seems harmless. What these homebuyers may not realize is this signed agreement can lead to added costs and barriers when they try to sell their home in the future. This type of predatory contract is what State Senator Ann Gillespie is working to prevent in Illinois.
“People deserve transparency and control when it comes to making decisions about large purchases,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “Buying a house is an investment, and homeowners should not be deceived or steered toward contracts without understanding the full terms.”
Non-Titled Recorded Agreements for Personal Services, known as NTRAPS, are contracts between a service provider — such as a real estate firm — and a homeowner in which the homeowner is offered a small amount of money in exchange for signing an agreement for future services. These long-term agreements are recorded within property records, giving the service provider the right to list the property for future sale. Homeowners who later try to sell their property outside of this agreement or transfer the title can face costly penalties.
Read more: Gillespie works to protect homebuyers from predatory contracts
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