SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law signed Friday, Medicaid coverage will be available for undocumented individuals age 42 and up as well as to expecting mothers who choose to utilize midwifery services.

“This new law is a win when it comes to increasing equity in our health care system,” Castro said. “These two major changes, as well as increasing rates for behavioral health services, additional funding for medical transportation services and more, will make services more accessible to more vulnerable Illinoisans.”

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers across Illinois will benefit from a package of measures that aim to deter future car thefts and hijackings thanks to the support of State Senator Doris Turner.

According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings.

“No one should ever have to fear if their car will be violently taken from them. But unfortunately the sad reality is more and more people are becoming victims of carjackings each day,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This has to stop. We must do all we can to combat this nationwide epidemic and alleviate the financial and emotional stress these crimes cause.”

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation—specifically to incentivize the purchase and use of electric motorcycles—was signed into law this month.

“As we start to see more and more electric vehicles on the road, we need to make sure that electric motorcycles get the same support,” said Joyce (D-Essex).

AURORA – To address ever-increasing rates of vehicle thefts in Illinois, State Senator Linda Holmes supported three measures to offer protections to motorists and assistance to investigators that were signed into law Thursday.

“Families and motorists shouldn’t fear being on the roads because of a risk of being carjacked,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “These three new laws will help law enforcement crack down on car thefts, as well as providing financial protection to victims.”

CHAMPAIGN – On Sunday, May 29, Illinois will be celebrating College Savings Day thanks to a resolution led by Senate Higher Education Chair Scott Bennett.

“As parents and children set their sights on the kinds of careers they want to pursue, we want them to know that saving through 529 College Savings Plans can help them get there,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “College Savings Day is a great reminder that families can achieve their education savings goals.”

PEORIA – Peoria and Fulton Counties will have disposal opportunities for unwanted agricultural pesticides through a statewide “Clean Sweep” program, State Senator Dave Koehler announced.

“It’s important for the safety of our community and the health of our environment to dispose of these chemicals in a safe and responsible manner,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This program is accessible and helps take stress off our local farmers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has new laws on the books to combat car hijackings, thanks to the support of State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) supported three bipartisan measures that were signed into law on Thursday that implement a multifaceted approach to fight this nationwide epidemic.

“The people across the South Suburbs deserve the right to live safely and securely without the fear of carjackings and violence on their way home from work or picking up their kids,” Hastings said. “These horrific crimes change people’s lives in a big way. These new laws will help combat this crisis and alleviate some of the financial and emotional stresses.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt supported proposals to address the increase in car thefts and hijackings that were signed into law Thursday.

According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings.

“The increase in the number of carjackings is disturbing,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Innocent people are being targeted by this senseless crime across Illinois.”

House Bill 601 modernizes the definition of the possession of burglary tools offense to include devices designed to unlock or start a vehicle without a key and devices designed to capture or duplicate a signal from a key fob. Car thieves have exploited new technology that can pick up the RFID signal from a key fob at a distance, allowing a victim’s vehicle to be unlocked or stolen even while the fob remains in their home. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Illinois saw a 13% increase in car thefts from 2019-2020.

House Bill 3699 will provide law enforcement with additional resources to coordinate efforts to put a stop to carjackings. Under the legislation, the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Council – made up of representatives from the insurance industry, state’s attorneys and law enforcement – will be tasked with working together to reduce carjackings. The Council currently provides grant funding to three task forces – comprised of law enforcement and state’s attorneys – which investigate and prosecute motor vehicle threat and similar crimes.

House Bill 3772 will provide protections for victims of carjackings who receive red light or speed camera violations after their vehicle has been hijacked. Under the new law, if a person receives a citation due to one of these camera violations, the court or hearing officer would be able to consider whether the vehicle was hijacked before the violation occurred or the victim not under the control of or possession of the vehicle at the time of violation. 

“We have worked to address the increase in crime,” Belt said. “Working with law enforcement officials to get them the resources they need is vital – and these laws do just that.”

The new laws take effect Jan. 1, 2023.