New Fine law protects state workers from opioid overdose

SPRINGFIELD – To protect state employees from unexpected opioid overdoses in the workplace, a new law championed by State Senator Laura Fine aims to provide protection through the availability of lifesaving resources.

“The opioid crisis can impact any community, and we need to ensure no one is left without necessary resources to save a life,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This law supports our state’s workforce by expanding access to opioid antagonists to trained workers.”

This law allows opioid antagonists to be made available at state agencies once employees are trained on how to properly administer the medication. The law also protects employees from civil liability should they administer the overdose reversal medication.

Read more: New Fine law protects state workers from opioid overdose

Johnson law prohibits corporal punishment in private schools

SPRINGFIELD – To safeguard students statewide and ensure they are treated with respect in schools, State Senator Adriane Johnson spearheaded a law tackling corporal punishment in private and non-public schools.

“Every child deserves a safe and nurturing learning environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Extending the ban on corporal punishment to all schools ensures no student in Illinois is subjected to physical punishment – which has been shown to have damaging effects on their well-being and development.”

The new law extends prohibitions on corporal and physical punishment in all schools in Illinois, rather than just public schools, except the use of certain restraints in specific circumstances to prevent a student from imminently harming themselves or others. Johnson’s law makes Illinois the fifth state in the nation to extend the ban on corporal punishment to non-public schools. 

Read more: Johnson law prohibits corporal punishment in private schools

Villa law supports body positivity

SPRINGFIELD – To promote healthy body image, State Senator Karina Villa passed a law to facilitate practices for affordable access to laser hair removal treatment.

“Appearance plays a major role in how people see themselves,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “We must maintain the safety of laser hair removal while increasing accessibility."

The new law allows trained professionals, including registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, to perform non-ablative laser hair removal procedures as long as a physician delegated it and supervision protocol is in place.

The law also provides that an on-site physician exam is not required prior to these procedures under specific conditions and will allow an advanced practice registered nurse to conduct the exam in place of a physician.

Read more: Villa law supports body positivity

Harris’ new law will increase transparency for homeowners

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon B. Harris, III fought for a new law to increase transparency of homeowner insurance policy coverage.

“Homeowners should have a clear understanding of what their homeowner insurance policy covers,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “This new law will help empower residents to make informed financial decisions about their homeowner insurance policies.”

House Bill 5357 will require an insurer to disclose whether a homeowner's insurance policy covers damage from a sewer backup or overflow from a sump pump when issuing or quoting a homeowner's policy. Further, the law will require insurance companies to offer the policyholder an opportunity to purchase this coverage if the policy does not already include it.

Read more: Harris’ new law will increase transparency for homeowners