Peters advances bill to inform domestic violence survivors of housing rights

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters passed legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to help more survivors of domestic and sexual violence know their rights and options for safe housing.

“This legislation will help more survivors understand their housing rights in Illinois,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By ensuring tenants are aware of their rights, we are empowering them to access the support they need.”

Senate Bill 3652 requires the Illinois Department of Human Rights to create a summary outlining the rights and courses of action for tenants and their household members who are survivors of domestic or sexual violence. This includes their rights to end a lease early, change locks for safety reasons and to access relevant housing protections.

Read more: Peters advances bill to inform domestic violence survivors of housing rights

Morrison advances measure to expand insurance coverage for diabetes supplies

SPRINGFIELD – The cost of managing diabetes can be a significant burden for many families. To help ease the financial strain experienced by those managing this condition, State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to expand insurance coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies.

“Having to make the choice between insulin and other necessities is unacceptable,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is my goal to ensure that insurance companies adequately cover the families who rely on them.”

Senate Bill 3414 requires insurance companies to cover glucose monitors, related supplies, and training in the use of glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with any form of diabetes. The measure includes that an individual won’t need to have prior authorization for coverage for a glucose monitor and prohibits insurance from imposing cost-sharing requirements.

Read more: Morrison advances measure to expand insurance coverage for diabetes supplies

Morrison to increase the safety of cheer teams

SPRINGFIELD – Student’s safety while participating in a sport is a concern for many parents. To ensure safe practices are being followed at schools across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced a measure to increase safety for cheerleaders.

“While sports provide students with vital life skills and a sense of belonging, they can also present an increased risk of injury,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Improving enforcement and knowledge of cheer and spirit safety standards will help prevent future injuries.”

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Suburban towing company holds hearing aid hostage, Cunningham responds with legislative action

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham advanced a measure that would add medical devices to the list of items that can be recovered from a towed vehicle and seeks to address over-the-top towing fees on stolen vehicles.

“I was shocked to find out that car owners are currently not allowed to recover medical devices, like hearing aids, from their vehicles – even if their vehicle is stolen and later towed,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This is a commonsense fix. I think we can all agree that private towing companies shouldn’t be able to hold medical devices hostage in a towed vehicle.”

The legislation was brought to Cunningham from a constituent of the 18^th District. The constituent’s vehicle was stolen from outside their residence in Chicago and was eventually located by law enforcement and towed in Alsip. The constituent did not find out where their vehicle was located until a week after it was recovered, receiving a letter in the mail from a suburban towing company that was holding the vehicle. When the constituent went to recover the vehicle, they were told they would have to pay a fee of $1,500, and were not allowed to recover a hearing aid from the vehicle until the fee was paid.

Read more: Suburban towing company holds hearing aid hostage, Cunningham responds with legislative action