SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine is leading a measure to ensure reproductive health decisions are protected against discrimination.
“Advancing access to reproductive health care services includes safeguarding an individual’s ability to receive such care without fear of discriminatory obstacles,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Making reproductive decisions is an autonomous act and should be given the respect and dignity expected of any other personal health care decision.”
While current law protects individuals from discrimination based on pregnancy – there are no existing protections against unlawful discrimination for individuals who exercise their reproductive health rights.
Read more: Fine to safeguard reproductive health care rights
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy has advanced a measure that would increase public safety around schools and parks by allowing the use of automated speed cameras.
“Automated speed cameras can play a crucial role in deterring reckless driving and protecting our children,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Speeding near parks and schools poses a significant danger to pedestrians and park-goers.”
The measure would permit Cook County municipalities outside Chicago to install automated speed cameras in safety zones – the 660-foot buffers around schools and parks. Chicago was given the authority to establish automated speed cameras in safety zones in 2011, and Murphy’s measure would expand this permission to other Cook County municipalities with populations over 35,000.
Read more: Murphy advances measure to address speeding in school zones
SPRINGFIELD – A measure championed by State Senator Karina Villa expanding protections against patient abuse passed the Senate on Sunday. This comes following an investigation into the issue conducted by the Chicago Tribune.
“Patients should be trusting of the health care professionals responsible for their care and well-being,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Before that trust is defied, laws must be in place to ensure patient safety.”
House Bill 3521 would require hospital affiliates to report suspected abuse of a patient at hospitals and facilities operated by a hospital affiliate, such as doctor’s offices and clinics. The measure would also explicitly prohibit employees of hospital affiliates from abusing a patient including medical staff, administrators, agents or other employees.
Read more: Villa measure fortifying protections against patient abuse advances
SPRINGFIELD – Delta-8, a synthetic hemp-derived THC intoxicant with serious side effects, often is sold at gas stations and other locations near schools. Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford championed a measure to regulate these hemp products, ultimately keeping kids away from its dangerous effects.
“I am proud of the diligent steps we have taken to protect consumers of all ages, help our cannabis industry flourish, keep the promise to our social equity communities, and not stifle reputable hemp business establishments,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “Effective regulation is about safeguarding public health and fostering a sustainable, trustworthy market.”
A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 11% of high school seniors report using delta-8. In response, Lightford is sponsoring House Bill 4293 to regulate hemp derived THC, including delta-8 products.
Read more: Lightford leads charge to regulate hemp, delta-8 products
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