New Sims law requires FBI involvement in cases where bodies remain unidentified

Sims champions law after death of Jelani Day

SPRINGFIELD — When Illinois State University student Jelani Day went missing, it took two weeks to find his body and another three weeks to identify his remains. This led State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) to champion a law signed Friday to allow county coroners and medical examiners to receive federal assistance in identifying missing persons.

Read more: New Sims law requires FBI involvement in cases where bodies remain unidentified

Bennett-supported measure to reconnect former foster children with their foster families becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – A measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett to help former foster children get in contact with their former families was signed into law Friday.

“Youth in the foster care system often become very close with their foster families before they are adopted,” said Bennett (D-Champaign), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “These kids deserve access to the family that cared for them as they transition to a new family.”

Read more: Bennett-supported measure to reconnect former foster children with their foster families becomes...

Murphy law eliminates outdated bureaucratic procedures, allows physician assistants to begin new employment faster

SPRINGFIELD – Physician assistants will soon be able to begin new employments at a quicker rate, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D--Des Plaines) that eliminates an outdated rule requiring physicians to file a notice of employment before a physician assistant can begin work.

“Before this initiative, the process to become a physician assistant was stalled with unnecessary paperwork and bureaucratic red tape,” Murphy said. “This law will encourage physician assistants to practice in Illinois—ensuring we have more high-quality practitioners administering care.”

Read more: Murphy law eliminates outdated bureaucratic procedures, allows physician assistants to begin new...

Koehler’s new law encourages purchase of Illinois-made vehicles

PEORIA – Illinoisans will now have an added incentive to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler.

“We have a highly skilled manufacturing workforce that produces reliable, high-quality vehicles right here in Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “By offering a rebate on the purchase of vehicles manufactured in-state, we put money back in the pockets of our consumers and spur our local economies.”

Illinoisans purchasing cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title under Senate Bill 3609. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

Read more: Koehler’s new law encourages purchase of Illinois-made vehicles