Stadelman law protects utility customers from shutoffs

SPRINGFIELD – Utility customers who apply for state energy bill assistance will soon have greater protections safeguarding them from disconnection, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Steve Stadelman.

“This is about making sure our most vulnerable community members do not have to face the threat of losing essential utility services while they seek much-needed financial assistance,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “It provides a critical safety net during times of economic uncertainty.”

To ensure vulnerable populations maintain access to essential utilities during times of financial hardship, the measure requires electric and gas companies with more than 500,000 customers to prevent the disconnection of utility services for those actively seeking energy payment assistance.

Read more: Stadelman law protects utility customers from shutoffs

Cunningham’s initiatives for first responders signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham led two initiatives to expand family counseling services and disability benefits for first responders that were signed into law on Friday. 

“These laws recognize the job-related stress that first responders have to deal with,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Many first responders will no longer have to worry if their department will cover family counseling services.”

House Bill 4460 requires every self-insured county and municipality to provide coverage for marriage and couples counseling for firefighters and police officers. Coverage for marriage or couples counseling has not been required in insurance plans for first responders because it had not been considered a diagnosable mental health condition.

Read more: Cunningham’s initiatives for first responders signed into law

Villanueva enhances Scott’s Law to include road construction sites

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva championed a newly signed proposal to enhance Scott’s Law by further protecting construction workers.

“Expanding Scott’s Law to include constructions zones is essential to ensuring the safety of workers and drivers alike,” said Villanueva (D–Chicago). “By prioritizing this preventative law we are instituting safeguard for the lives of everyone involved.”

Scott's Law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, including highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, and any stationary vehicle with their hazard lights activated. The measure also states, if changing would be impossible or unsafe, drivers would be required to proceed with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle and leave a safe distance until safely passing the stationary vehicle.

Read more: Villanueva enhances Scott’s Law to include road construction sites

Senate President Harmon applauds historic quantum research partnership

SPRINGFIELD –Senate President Don Harmon joined Governor JB Pritzker, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and federal lawmakers to announce a historic partnership between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Illinois that will develop a Quantum Proving Ground for research on the emerging technology.

“Just as technological innovation has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined, quantum holds the promise of doing the same for the future,” said Harmon (D-Oak Park). “And that future will happen here.” 

Read more: Senate President Harmon applauds historic quantum research partnership