SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would amend the Adult Protective Services Act to include that any person may report information about a suspicious death of an older adult. This legislation passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee Tuesday. 

“According to the World Health Organization, around one in six people 60 years and older experience some form of abuse in community settings,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “However, a lot of these cases of abuse go unreported. This legislation will help people feel like they can speak more freely when they witness something wrong.”

Current law allows any person who suspects abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of an eligible adult to make a report to the Department of Aging. This legislation would add a suspicious death to the list of reportable items. If the person making the report is a mandated reporter, they are required to testify in any subsequent administrative hearings. It also provides that a probate court can access records for a confidential inspection of the records.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham is leading legislation that requires sports wagering apps to display a pop-up message directing individuals to a website with resources for gambling addiction assistance after every 10 wagers made.

"Illinois has been a leader in the regulation of sports betting, and we need to ensure that we are also addressing the potential harms associated with gambling addiction," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "By requiring sports wagering apps to display a pop-up message with resources for gambling addiction assistance, we can help individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling access the help they need."

The Sports Wagering Act and Illinois Administrative Code currently require a sportsbook to display a statement on its portal, internet website, or computer or mobile application regarding obtaining assistance with gambling problems. However, Senate Bill 1508 goes a step further to ensure that individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling have additional access to resources and support.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would require clear notice to be given to consumers before they enter contracts that automatically renew.

“From streaming services to cell phone contracts, contracts are regularly renewed without clear consent from consumers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “We must ensure consumers are aware of automatic renewal commitments before accepting the terms.”

Glowiak Hilton’s measure would require businesses to give notice to consumers before a contract renews. It would also allow consumers to terminate automatic renewal contracts more easily by phone or online – something that is often not offered by companies. Businesses that offer free trials or reduced one-time offers must also provide notice before the promotional period ends.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple pieces of legislation that will increase vehicle safety and improve CTA disability benefits to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Transportation plays such an important role in our day-to-day lives. It is an essential service. Agencies responsible for providing services should be held accountable to provide accessible service to people of all abilities, and mitigate risks larger vehicles can pose to the road,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “These bills will not only improve safety in our daily transportation, but will also help decrease the amount of accidents on our roads.”

Senate Bill 1892 provides that CTA, PACE and Metra benefits for people with disabilities will automatically renew unless discontinued by the benefit holder.

SPRINGFIELD – To improve the quality of life for residents residing in state-funded affordable housing, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“It is a basic human right to live in an environment that is safe, accessible, clean, and provided with proper heating and cooling systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill is directed at State-funded affordable housing facilities, requiring them to provide safe and responsive air conditioning and heating for residents, working laundry machines and other basic maintenance provisions.”

The bill is in response to three residents of a Rogers Park senior living complex who died of suspected heat exhaustion last May. Senate Bill 2013 requires any residential building that is financed under the Illinois Affordable Housing Program to meet minimum standard of living conditions to continue receiving funding from the program.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons presented multiple measures that will increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists to the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“As a non-motorist who chooses to bike, walk, and take public transportation almost exclusively, I take the safety and well-being of all who use public streets, roads, and public transportation personally and very seriously,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too many tragic, deadly, and unfortunately avoidable accidents have happened in the last year in the 7th District. These initiatives aim to address them directly.”

Senate Bill 2014 expands safety for cyclists and pedestrians by providing that improvements, such as high-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, barrier-protected bike lanes and bus shelters, are made during routine maintenance to any non-highway state roadways.

Senate Democrats celebrate the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Democrats joined Governor Pritzker in the announcement and release of a new report from the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, which will redesign the delivery of behavioral health services for young people in the state. The initiative’s goal is to transform statewide systems to provide clear, consistent and comprehensive guidance to families seeking behavioral or mental health services for children and adolescents.

“Investment in our state’s youth through a holistic, whole-child approach provides them with the key resources and support they need to succeed,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood). “We are taking a positive step toward ensuring families of children who struggle with severe behavior health needs are uplifted and have access to the high-quality care they deserve.”

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Faraci: Children living with disabilities deserve better

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.

The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.

"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."

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Measure led by Glowiak Hilton would combat "spoof" calls that deliberately falsify caller IDs

SPRINGFIELD – A new measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton would prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID.

“Many Illinoisans receive scam calls every day,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This measure prohibits spoof calling to ensure our residents can trust who is on the other end of the phone.”

Read more.

Halpin addresses Quad Cities Rail project roadblock

MOLINE – State Senator Mike Halpin joined Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati’s press conference regarding the Quad Cities Passenger Rail project that has been in talks for years.

“This money was there when I first took office in January 2017 and Governor Pritzker announced its renewal with our 2019 budget during his first year in office,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Too much time has passed to simply rely on Iowa Interstate Railroad to do the right thing.”

Read more.

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CHAMPAIGN - State Senator Paul Faraci has introduced Senate Bill 1752, which aims to reduce the number of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services database.

The PUNS list currently has 14,806 individuals who want or need Developmental Disability Waiver Services. As funding becomes available, individuals are selected from PUNS to apply for the waiver. However, the demand for these services far outweighs the available funding, leaving many individuals waiting for years to receive the assistance they need.

"The PUNS list has been a concern of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to introduce this bill that will help reduce the backlog of individuals waiting for developmental disability waiver services," said Faraci (D-Champaign). "Every person on the list is someone who needs help, and it's our duty to ensure that they receive the support they require to live a happy and fulfilling life."