New Feigenholtz law makes streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists

SPRINGFIELD — To help Illinois and Chicago collaborate more effectively on key pedestrian safety initiatives, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz championed a plan laying out guidelines for what they must study to make streets safer.

“These guidelines will streamline cooperation, cut red tape and help the Illinois Department of Transportation take concrete steps to study ways we can prevent further tragedies,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Enhanced collaboration will give us a clearer picture of how best to improve street safety in our city and across Illinois.”

In January 2023, IDOT and the Chicago Department of Transportation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding agreement in an effort to strengthen their collaboration and streamline the review process for safety improvements on local streets and state routes. The MOU was in part sparked by a request from Feigenholtz that the departments conduct a traffic study after a pedestrian was killed in the 6th Senate District.

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Peters’ law overhauls state’s mental health crisis response system

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is reshaping the way agencies respond to mental health crises and offer critical services to those in need, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters that ensures better coordination, training and accountability in the delivery of behavioral health services.

“We’re dedicated to improving mental health outcomes, reducing stigma and optimizing resource allocation for mental health services,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “We must prevent individuals from falling through the cracks, and we do that by equipping crisis responders with the skills to assess needs accurately and connect people with the appropriate care.”

Under Peters’ law, the implementation deadline of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act is extended until July 1, 2027, ensuring a more thorough and thoughtful rollout of critical services. The law comes at a time when mental health services are under increasing strain, with more people experiencing mental health crises and a heightened demand for accessible care.

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Murphy measure that protects consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car sellers signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy spearheaded a new law to protect consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“This law ensures that we are holding unlicensed car dealers accountable and ensure every car sale meets the standards of safety and honesty,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Ending curbstoning lifts a burden off of Illinois consumers.”

The goal is to make the already illegal practice of “curbstoning” — a scheme where individual sellers draw car shoppers to places like parking lots and side streets to sell used cars without a license — more difficult. The cars are sold for more money than they are worth and typically have significant issues such as water damage, mileage rollbacks, mechanical issues, or salvaged titles — which are only issued if the car has sustained enough damage to be declared a total loss.

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New Ellman law protects Illinois cremation scattering rights

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families deserve the ability to scatter their loved ones' cremated remains according to their traditions and religious beliefs. Thanks to State Senator Laura Ellman’s new law, people will soon be able to scatter cremated ashes in Illinois waterways.

“Families undergoing significant life transitions following the death of a loved one deserve assistance as they face serious emotional and financial obstacles,” said Ellman (D-Naperville).“Families in my district who practice scattering ashes in flowing water have expressed their concerns to me – particularly about the absence of clear regulations regarding scattering rights.”

Read more: New Ellman law protects Illinois cremation scattering rights