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.

SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 59, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Women over the age of 45 are encouraged to receive regular mammograms. They are also encouraged to consult with their health care provider about risk factors and whether additional breast cancer screening is required. Risk factors for breast cancer can be managed by remaining physically active, by maintaining a healthy weight, and by limiting intake of alcohol.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner announced a new commercial manufacturing facility coming to Decatur, bringing more jobs to Central Illinois.

“This new facility will bring good-paying jobs right to our community while boosting the local economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Rising Pharmaceuticals’ move to Decatur exemplifies the city’s prime location in Central Illinois and continues Illinois’ commitment to being a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

SPRINGFIELD – Students who participate in a work-based learning experience, like Future Farmers of America or 4-H program competitions or exhibitions, will be able to count the time outside of the classroom as hours of school work thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Doris Turner that was signed into law Monday.

“As a strong supporter of ag education, I advocated for the FFA and 4-H program students who have been jeopardized for missing class to participate in competitions,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Learning through hands-on experiences, especially in the agriculture industry, is a great way for students to expand their wealth of knowledge.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could see a new state flag under a measure spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner that was signed into law Monday.

“Illinois’ current flag design has the state seal on it,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “While the state seal represents government, the flag should be a symbol for the people. History is living, breathing and ever evolving and our flag needs to represent what makes Illinois the great state it is.”

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage community gardening, incentives will be provided for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening under a new initiative sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner that was signed into law Friday.

“We’ve seen the positive outcomes that come from community gardens,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “There’s an economic benefit that provides residents with the needed tools that they may not get otherwise and engages the community by encouraging people to spend more time outside.”

The new law allows the Illinois Housing Development Authority to develop a program that provides incentives for affordable housing projects that incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

Turner’s law requires IHDA to consult with the University of Illinois on the program, work with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to facilitate the distribution of produce from the garden, and provide all necessary tools for the garden.

“Food deserts leave people with few options for nutritious meals,” Turner said. “This is a great opportunity to provide fruits and vegetables to the residents who can’t easily access a grocery store.”

House Bill 3892 takes effect immediately.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner joined state and local officials and leaders at a press conference Wednesday to break ground on TCCI’s new Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub in Decatur.

“By investing in TCCI’s Innovation Hub, we are investing in our community, boosting our local economy and bringing jobs to Decatur,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Central Illinois will be a leader in the industry by expanding EV manufacturing and working with Richland Community College to prepare students for the workforce. This is a huge win for our community.”

Over $21 million was invested to build the first-of-its kind Climatic Center for Innovation and Research and the EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy through the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois incentive package that supports the manufacturing facility expansion.