SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – A new Illinois law aims to protect restaurants, bars and retailers from deceitful delivery services with support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton.

“It’s not an honest business practice when delivery services can take advantage of local businesses without their knowledge or consent,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Restaurants and bars, particularly locally-owned businesses, should have the opportunity to decide whether or not to utilize delivery services.”

House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

CHICAGO – A measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz will allow Chicago firefighters to add MRSA to the list of occupational disease disability benefits if they contract the infection on duty.

“In recent years, firefighters have seen increased staph infections, including MRSA,” said Feigenholtz (D-Chicago). “Including MRSA on the list of covered protections for firefighters will aid in stopping the spread of the infection.”

The new law aligns Chicago firefighters with downstate firefighters by extending an occupational disease disability benefit to any active Chicago firefighter who has completed seven or more years of service and can’t perform their duties because of a contagious staph infection including MRSA.

Van Pelt announces elimination of DNA backlog

CHICAGO – For the first time since 2019, the number of sexual assault kits awaiting testing, also referred to as the DNA backlog, has been eliminated, announced State Senator Patricia Van Pelt.

After decades of extensive sexual assault forensic backlogs, the number of pending sexual assault forensic assignments older than 180 days, which was once more than 1,800, has reached zero.

“The reduction of this backlog has been a long time coming, and I am so glad that there are no more outstanding sexual assault kits,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “Families have spent years waiting for some kind of answer — for some kind of accountability for their loved ones that have been lost — and today I am thinking of what this progress means for them.”

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Bush law provides time off for miscarriages

SPRINGFIELD – The burden of silence many people face when returning to the workplace almost immediately following the loss of a pregnancy can cause emotional upheaval. State Senator Melinda Bush passed a newly signed law to allow people to take leave following pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or other fertility issues.

“The emotional anguish suffered after a miscarriage or stillbirth is often debilitating,” said Bush (D-Grayslake). “Returning to work sooner than they’d like leaves little room for grief, mourning and healing.”

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Ellman, Yang Rohr designate dolostone as state rock

NAPERVILLE – Signed into law last week, legislation by State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr on behalf of local students designates dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock.

“Students played a large part in the designation of our state tree and flower over a century ago, and once again they will play a large part in our state’s history through their work in designating dolostone as the state rock,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These exceptional young people went above and beyond to take advantage of this great learning opportunity, and all the students and teachers involved have been true gems.”

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Sound of the State: Turner speaks on DCFS caseworker safety

In this week's episode of Sound of the State, Senator Doris Turner discusses efforts to strengthen DCFS caseworker safety and provide survivor benefits to dependents of employees who are killed on the job. Listen here.

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SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) championed a recently signed law to honor the families of our state’s fallen heroes with the presentation of an Illinois flag.

“Our country would not be where it is today without the sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform,” Turner said. “This law will help show the respect we have for the families that pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

SPRINGFIELD – A Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Representative Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) measure to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Wednesday.

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” Joyce said.

House Bill 4161 aims to 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 – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) requiring the Governor’s Office of New Americans to create and oversee the implementation of a New American Statewide Plan was signed into law on Friday.

“One in seven Illinoisans is an immigrant,” Villa said. “People from across the world come here to make a new life, and we should do all we can to assist them in that endeavor.”

House Bill 1567 seeks to address immigrant and refugee integration issues in Illinois through the establishment of a New American Statewide Plan. Under the legislation, the Governor’s Office of New Americans would be required to put together a plan to ensure their essential duties are being performed.

CHICAGO – At least 50 women have been reported missing or murdered in Chicago with little to no answers for their families. To address this issue, State Senator Mattie Hunter championed a new law to create the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women.

The task force will examine and report on the systemic causes behind violence that Chicago women and girls experience.

“The loss of these women was not just felt by their families, but the Chicago community as a whole,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “That loss is intensified when the family is left with no justice, which is why a task force is necessary to gain some sense of accountability.”