Simmons legislation expanding access to liver disease screenings passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To expand coverage for preventative screenings for liver disease, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation out of the Senate on Thursday. 

“Liver disease is a silent killer. Often there are no symptoms for years until the disease is very advanced, so early detection can be vital in ensuring people with liver damage get referral to specialty care and treatments that can improve long-term health outcomes and save lives,” said Simmons (D- Chicago). 

Senate Bill 1282 requires Medicaid, private insurance plans and government employee insurance plans to cover preventative screenings for liver disease for individuals who are at high risk for liver disease, ages 35-65 years old. Those screenings can include high quality preventative screenings such as liver ultrasounds, liver function tests, and other screenings that can help with early detection and management of liver disease.

Read more: Simmons legislation expanding access to liver disease screenings passes Senate

Johnson: We are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

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Peters passes measure discontinuing juvenile court fees

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters’ measure to discontinue juvenile court service fees passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Young people impacted by the justice system, particularly low-income youth of color, are negatively impacted by inequitable court fees,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Youth and families impacted by the justice system should not have to worry about how they are going to pay for service fees for things like probation supervision when they are court-ordered.”

Senate Bill 1463 stipulates that courts cannot deny and prosecutors cannot object to sentencing conditions or placement of minors on probation, conditional discharge or supervision based on their inability to pay fees.

The measure requires any judgment to pay assessments prior to the effective date of this legislation to be null, void and not collectible. Additionally, if community service is ordered by the court, it must not interfere with school hours.

Read more: Peters passes measure discontinuing juvenile court fees

Senate passes Simmons’ bill requiring safer bicycle crossings

SPRINGFIELD – Following two fatal cycling accidents in the 7^th District, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a measure out of the Senate to increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists by requiring permanent vehicle crossing signs be added to bike trails.

“All pedestrians and cyclists should know that they are safe when choosing a mode of transportation alternative to a motor vehicle,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Last summer we tragically lost two toddlers in two separate cycling accidents. This bill is in direct response to those preventable tragedies, addressing the need for greater protections overall for bicyclists and pedestrians.”

Senate Bill 1710 expands the responsibility of any entity that owns a bike trail, requiring them to erect warning signs along the path warning pedestrians and cyclists of a vehicle crossing at least 150 feet before the crossing. The bill ensures cyclists on a trail have ample warning to know when to slow down and stop before a busy intersection. Permanent signage on state roadways warning vehicles of bicycle trail crossings will also be erected within 150 feet of a trail crossing so vehicles can yield.

Read more: Senate passes Simmons’ bill requiring safer bicycle crossings