Collins’ plan for annual truancy policies signed into law

CHICAGO – Illinois schools will be required to develop and communicate their truancy policies to families on a yearly basis under legislation by State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) that was signed into law today.

“When it comes to chronic absences, we tend to just see the empty desk. The truth is that we need to see the student and the challenges they may face with transportation, family illness, mental health difficulties or disabilities,” said Collins. “This ensures that families are being informed of absence policies that are consistent and are applied consistently. I thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this into law.”

Chronic truancy — when a student misses more than 5% of the school year — has increased in Illinois since 2015, when about 9% of students were considered chronically truant. As many as 13.4% are chronically truant currently. Senate Bill 605 requires schools to develop a truancy and chronic absence policy each year and report it to families, including information on chronic truancy.

The legislation takes effect July 1, 2022.

Morrison’s new law to require gluten labels on medications

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure people with gluten intolerances aren’t unknowingly consuming gluten in the medications they take, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to require oral drugs to carry proper warning labels was signed into law.

“Restaurants and grocery stores have increased their gluten-free offerings and have become far better equipped to properly label and handle items for people with dietary restrictions,” Morrison said. “People with Celiac and other gluten intolerances should feel just as protected when visiting a pharmacy.”

Read more: Morrison’s new law to require gluten labels on medications

Loughran Cappel plan to end early termination fees for deceased customers signed into law

SHOREWOOD – Legislation championed by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood)  that will end the practice of burdening family members of deceased utility customers with early termination fees was signed into law Friday.

“Utility companies taking advantage of hard working people is unfortunately all too common,” Loughran Cappel said. “Cracking down on predatory practices of all types will continue to be a priority of mine in the General Assembly.”

House Bill 122 will end early termination fees for utility customers who die before the end of a contract.

Read more: Loughran Cappel plan to end early termination fees for deceased customers signed into law

Murphy law will help save students money on college textbooks

SPRINGFIELD – College students may soon see more affordable course materials under a law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) to create a task force dedicated to making textbooks and other course materials more affordable.

“I’m committed to making higher education more affordable for Illinois students—finding ways to lower textbook costs is an important part of that fight,” Murphy said. “I am excited for the task force to begin work and find ways to lift the financial burden on college students and their families.”

The legislation creates the Course Materials Equitable Access and Affordability Study Task Force, which will research ways to save students money on course materials, examine digital learning materials in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and publish its findings online.

Read more: Murphy law will help save students money on college textbooks