SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would amend the Adult Protective Services Act to include that any person may report information about a suspicious death of an older adult. This legislation passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee Tuesday.
“According to the World Health Organization, around one in six people 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in community settings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “However, a lot of these cases of abuse go unreported. This legislation will help people feel like they can speak more freely when they witness something wrong.”
Current law allows any person who suspects abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an eligible adult to make a report to the Department of Aging. This legislation would add a suspicious death to the list of reportable items. If the person making the report is a mandated reporter, they are required to testify in any subsequent administrative hearings. It also provides that a probate court can access records for a confidential inspection of the records.
Read more: Villa progresses a protective measure against elder abuse
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is leading legislation that requires sports wagering apps to display a pop-up message directing individuals to a website with resources for gambling addiction assistance after every 10 wagers made.
"Illinois has been a leader in the regulation of sports betting, and we need to ensure that we are also addressing the potential harms associated with gambling addiction," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "By requiring sports wagering apps to display a pop-up message with resources for gambling addiction assistance, we can help individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling access the help they need."
The Sports Wagering Act and Illinois Administrative Code currently require a sportsbook to display a statement on its portal, internet website, or computer or mobile application regarding obtaining assistance with gambling problems. However, Senate Bill 1508 goes a step further to ensure that individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling have additional access to resources and support.
Read more: Cunningham proposes preventative gambling addiction measure
SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.
“From streaming services to cell phone contracts, contracts are regularly renewed without clear consent from consumers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We must ensure consumers are aware of automatic renewal commitments before accepting the terms.”
Glowiak Hilton’s measure would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.
Read more: Glowiak Hilton protects consumers from automatic renewal fees
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple measures that will increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.
“As a non-motorist who chooses to bike, walk, and take public transportation almost exclusively, I take the safety and well-being of all who use public streets, roads, and public transportation personally and very seriously,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too many tragic, deadly, and unfortunately avoidable accidents have happened in the last year in the 7th District. These initiatives aim to address them directly.”
Senate Bill 2014 expands safety for cyclists and pedestrians by providing that improvements, such as high-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters, are made during routine maintenance to any non-highway state roadways.
Read more: Simmons advances package of bills to increase bike and pedestrian safety
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