Walker advances bill to strengthen consumer protections from digital asset fraud

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mark Walker’s bill to weed out the bad actors in the digital currency industry would help protect thousands of Illinois consumers from predatory practices and expand digital coin businesses.

“The digital assets industry is an exciting economic opportunity, but it attracts many bad actors,” said Walker (D-Arlington Heights). “This bill would create reasonable guidelines for crypto companies to follow without limiting their growth and opportunity.”

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Halpin effort to crack down on human trafficking passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Though many Illinoisans may not be aware, human trafficking occurs in every part of the state, from Rock Island to Chicago. To crack down on the statewide scourge, State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate Thursday.

“We must empower our local governments and law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to make sure every instance of human trafficking is accounted for and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Halpin. “By allowing localities to monitor hotels, restaurants and truck stop training, we can create a more targeted approach to combatting these terrible crimes.”

While current law requires human trafficking recognition training at hotels, restaurants and truck stops, this legislation would give municipalities the legal authority to act if a business is not complying the training laws. In addition, the new law would allow local governments to issue fines of up to $1,500 per offense.

Read more: Halpin effort to crack down on human trafficking passes Senate

Preston’s measure to ban harmful food additives passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate that would ban harmful food additives in products sold in Illinois.

“This legislation emphasizes the importance of consumer protection across our state,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We must ensure that we prioritize keeping children and families safe from toxic chemicals and making sure they are informed and have access to safer alternative options.”

Under Preston’s measure, the manufacturing of food products containing potassium bromate or propylparaben would be banned. Additionally, the legislation would prohibit businesses from selling or distributing food products containing these additives.

Read more: Preston’s measure to ban harmful food additives passes Senate

Johnson advances measure to strengthen access and accountability for 2-1-1 helpline

SPRINGFIELD — To improve coordination and oversight of the 2-1-1 helpline that connects Illinois residents to vital health and human services, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to bolster reporting standards and statewide collaboration.

“Families across Illinois rely on 2-1-1 to get help during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We have a responsibility to make sure this system is responsive, transparent and consistently high quality across every community.”

2-1-1 is a federally designated helpline that offers free, confidential access to resources like food, shelter, mental health services, employment support, and healthcare. The service launched in Illinois in 2009 and continues to expand across the state.

Read more: Johnson advances measure to strengthen access and accountability for 2-1-1 helpline