The Majority Report 04/14/25 - Enhancing safety standards

Details: Category: Majority Report; Monday, April 14, 2025 04:07 PM

Ellman to strengthen Illinois gun safety standards

SPRINGFIELD — For far too long, unsecured firearms in homes have led to devastating and preventable tragedies, especially among children and teenagers. In response to this ongoing crisis, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a critical public safety measure to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are securely stored and kept out of the hands of minors and individuals at risk. Senate Bill 8, which passed the Senate last week, would strengthen Illinois’ safe storage laws and expand protections to help keep guns out of the hands of children, at-risk individuals, and criminals.

“For far too long, we have witnessed the tragic consequences of unsecured firearms in homes,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Firearms, if left unaccounted for and unsecured, pose risks to those who shouldn’t have access to them. Firearm owners can help prevent gun-related incidents by ensuring their guns are securely stored away from others.”

Johnson advances measure to strengthen access and accountability for 2-1-1 helpline

SPRINGFIELD — To improve coordination and oversight of the 2-1-1 helpline that connects Illinois residents to vital health and human services, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to bolster reporting standards and statewide collaboration.

“Families across Illinois rely on 2-1-1 to get help during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We have a responsibility to make sure this system is responsive, transparent and consistently high quality across every community.”

Schools would be more prepared for emergencies under Murphy's measure

SPRINGFIELD — With worries about hazardous material explosions on the rise, schools would be required to establish emergency evacuation plans under a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“It’s vital to establish clear plans before an emergency happens, which is why our schools need to know how to best protect their students should the unthinkable happen,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Evacuation plans developed with emergency management experts give schools the tools they need to act quickly and confidently in a hazardous spill – saving time, reducing chaos and protecting lives.”

Feigenholtz works to connect schools, families with one-stop shop for youth mental health care

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois teachers and families would have better tools to identify behavioral and mental health needs for youth to connect them with community-based supports under a measure led by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz.

“My focus has always been on prioritizing behavioral health care and social services that reinforce our commitments to Illinois children and families, and this legislation continues that important work,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “This initiative will help teachers connect students with school-based supports but also create stronger pathways to behavioral health care and services at home and in the community.”

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