SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address food deserts, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.

“Rural communities across Illinois are often in food deserts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious foods no matter where they live.”

Senate Bill 3219 would expand on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets. Currently, DCEO provides these grants to existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores or not-for-profit grocery stores.

SPRINGFIELD – During Soil Health Week, State Senator Doris Turner joined agriculture advocates and stakeholders at a rally on Wednesday.

“From the food we eat to our economy, healthy soil benefits our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m a voice for our farmers, producers and ag community.”

Soil Health Week is recognized in Illinois during the week of March 6-10. Soil is an essential natural resource, and Illinois farmers and professionals play a critical role in managing Illinois’ soil and water resources. Practices like zero tillage and using cover crops can improve soil health while reducing erosion, increasing water retention and enhancing biodiversity.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced Tuesday that two areas of Springfield are being recognized as State-Designated Cultural Districts.

"During my time on Springfield City Council, I began working on ways to integrate our Black history while incorporating economic development opportunities throughout our communities,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These official designations are essential to preserving our history, highlighting our important legacy and significant contributions from the Great Migration and onward.”

SPRINGFIELD – Standing alongside families who have been impacted by Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains, State Senator Doris Turner outlined her plan to reestablish integrity and trust in the death care industry.

“The status quo isn’t working,” said Turner (D-Springfield).  “These are people who deserve dignity and respect. This legislation will ensure that no family will have to worry that the death of their loved ones aren’t handled with dignity and respect.”

Senate Bill 2643 would require the death care industry in the state as well as state regulators to implement a mandatory unique identification tagging system for all human remains. It also would establish a chain of custody system that tracks the human remains of a deceased individual whose death occurred in the state from death to final disposition, if the final disposition is in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner advanced a measure that would protect consumers by requiring notice for automatic renewals offered by businesses.

“Some businesses use deceptive tactics with automatic renewals, which can lead to unexpected charges for consumers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By providing sufficient notice of renewals, we are ensuring businesses are transparent and not taking advantage of us.”

Senate Bill 2764 would require businesses that offer a free gift or trial period of its products or services that automatically renew to notify the consumer by email at least two weeks before the cancellation deadline. The measure would apply to free gift or trial periods that last longer than 15 days.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local grocers to apply for funding through the Illinois Grocery Initiative for the purchase of updated energy-efficient equipment.

“We must do everything in our power to eliminate the food deserts across our state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Through these grants, local grocers will be able to maintain residents’ access to fresh food.”

Rising energy costs lead to outdated equipment, which presents a major expense for small community grocers. Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; lighting systems; and other systems providing significant energy savings.

SPRINGFIELD – Motorcyclists no longer have to complete a duplicate driver’s test and will be more visible under two new laws sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“We are easing the process for motorcyclists to get their license without taking repetitive, unnecessary tests,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Removing this redundancy will simplify the process for motorcyclists, allowing them to enjoy Illinois’ roads.”

House Bill 2582 removes the requirement for a motorcyclist under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle driver's examination with the Secretary of State. Previously, 16- to 17-year-old motorcyclists were required to complete a Cycle Driver Testing Course provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation and an additional examination by the Secretary of State.

SPRINGFIELD – In response to a Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains, State Senator Doris Turner introduced legislation that would put procedures and protocols in place to protect families who have lost a loved one.

“When we lose a loved one, we expect a funeral home to respect the remains of our friends and family,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are talking about a person who has loved ones and a story of their own. It is vital that we ensure no family has to receive the dreaded call that the remains they received belong to someone else. This has become a nationwide issue that needs to be addressed.”

Senate Bill 2643 would require the death care industry in the state as well as state regulators to implement a mandatory unique identification tagging system for all human remains. It also would establish a chain of custody system that tracks the human remains of a deceased individual whose death occurred in the state from death to final disposition, if the final disposition is in Illinois.