SPRINGFIELD — Legislation passed by State Senator Robert Martwick will secure the finances of the Cook County Pension Fund and protect taxpayers.

“Thanks to the incredible dedication and fiscal discipline implemented by President Toni Preckwinkle and her administration, the Cook County Pension Fund is one of the few pension systems in the state whose fund balance has improved over the course of the last decade,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This measure ensures that retirees will receive the benefits they have earned and protects taxpayers from future property tax increases by codifying these fiscally responsible practices.”

SPRINGFIELD — Rideshare companies would be subject to the same care standards as all other transportation companies under new legislation introduced by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“It’s time we hold rideshare companies to the same standards as any other method of transportation,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “As passengers of a bus, or a plane, or even an amusement park ride, you expect to get to your destination safely, that is why I am championing this change.”

The common carrier doctrine holds transportation companies to the highest standard of care to their passengers. This includes being able to hold the company liable if their employee causes the passenger harm, through intentional means such as assault, or if a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident.

Currently, transportation network companies, like Uber and Lyft, are exempt from the common carrier doctrine. This leaves victims with few means to hold the companies liable for harm caused by their drivers. Between the two largest companies, Uber and Lyft, between 2017 and 2020 there were almost 14,000 reports of sexual assault, with 824 reportedly being rapes. Martwick’s measure would subject such companies to the common carrier doctrine, holding them accountable for the safety of their passengers.

“Negligence is negligence, and it’s a victim’s right to hold companies liable,” Martwick said. “It’s only right to subject rideshares to the same standard as all other forms of transportation.”

House Bill 2231 passed the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD — Rideshare companies would be subject to the same care standards as all other transportation companies under new legislation introduced by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“When you get on a bus or a train, or ride in a plane or a taxi, you expect a certain level of professionalism – a certain standard of care,” said Martwick (D-Chicago.) “If something were to happen to you due to negligence on the company’s part, it’s your right to hold that company liable. As it stands, this protection does not apply to rideshare companies, like Uber or Lyft, and it’s time that changes.”

The common carrier doctrine holds transportation companies to the highest standard of care to their passengers. This includes being able to hold the company liable if their employee causes the passenger harm, through intentional means such as assault, or if a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick celebrates collaboration with law enforcement officials and states attorneys to help pass a measure that clarifies the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensure smooth implementation of the law.

“I am pleased there was collaboration and participation by all parties, including law enforcement and states attorneys,” Martwick said. “We were able to clarify language to ensure the law works as intended, which is to improve protections for the public.”

“The intention behind the Pretrial Fairness Act has always been to improve public safety by reforming a broken system,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “The political process highlighted some misconceptions about the language, and how that language could be exploited.”

House Bill 1095 provides clarification to misconceptions that were spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passing in January2021. The intent of the Pretrial Fairness Act remains under this measure – it merely clarifies language. 

Many Illinoisans were left confused as to what the law truly does following smear campaigns on social media and in the headlines of fake newspapers. Among the clarifications are a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or another person—including trespassers—can be arrested, judges can issue warrants and summons, and clarifies court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items.

The measure is a collaborative effort alongside law enforcement, states attorneys, Coalition to End Money Bond, ACLU of Illinois, the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, CAASE, and more.

House Bill 1095 passed the Illinois Senate and awaits further consideration in the Illinois House.

CHICAGO —State Senator Robert Martwick is teaming up with the Illinois Attorney General’s Workplace Rights Bureau to hold an educational session to teach Illinois workers about how they can ensure their rights are protected.

“It’s vital for workers to know that they have rights, and to learn more about organizations that are in their corner,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). ”Through this educational opportunity, people can learn more about how to ensure their workplace is practicing ethical standards.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick is encouraging communities with economic challenges in the 10th District to apply for assistance through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program. The program, which usually requires matching funds for projects, now offers complete assistance for distressed communities.

“Funding for our local parks will attract new investments in the future and revitalize an essential part of our community,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “I am happy that we as a state are able to provide this wonderful opportunity to local park districts.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation supported by State Senator Robert Martwick that provides private assistance to first responders via a tax check-off was signed into law. 

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Making it easier for people to make a charitable contribution to support our first responders will be much appreciated in the district that I represent.”

House Bill 4161 will increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD - A measure supported by State Senator Robert Martwick to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceptive delivery services was signed into law.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “We have to ensure that restaurants and bars are able to support themselves and that outside delivery services do not take advantage of many of our most beloved restaurants and eateries.”