Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“Access to information about tenants’ rights is crucial for promoting stability and preventing exploitation,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Empowering residents allows them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and their rights effectively.”

Under current state law, mobile home park owners are required to obtain a license to operate. If a park owner fails to maintain their license, the tenants are not required to pay rent. Murphy’s measure would ensure no tenant could be evicted for failing to pay rent to an unlicensed mobile home park. A mobile home owner would retain the ability to evict a tenant for failure to comply with park rules, nonpayment of actual rent due, and failure to comply with local ordinances and state laws regulating mobile homes.

Read more: Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners

Ellman measure to expand access to free fentanyl test strips clears the Senate

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Laura Ellman to mitigate the opioid crisis by providing free fentanyl test strips advanced out of the Senate Wednesday.

“The opioid crisis in Illinois continues to be a source of concern for families, and the state is taking an important step to keeping our residents safe from fentanyl-laced substances,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This life-saving resource should be accessible to everyone.”

Currently, non-medical persons are authorized to administer naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose under the Drug Overdose Prevention Program established by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Previous legislation permits pharmacists and retailers to sell fentanyl test strips over-the-counter and county health departments are able to distribute test strips to the public for no fee. Additionally, pharmacists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants or their designee may distribute drug adulterant testing supplies to any person.

Read more: Ellman measure to expand access to free fentanyl test strips clears the Senate

Martwick measure to protect police officers advances

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Martwick has advanced a measure that would prohibit municipalities from discharging police officers due to a line-of-duty injury.

“With this measure, we are giving our dedicated police officers the same protections that we offer to our firefighters,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “First responders should never be at risk of losing their job because of a work-related disability.”

Martwick’s measure would ensure police officers could not be discharged from their duties based on their application for disability-related pension benefits. Once a chief of police receives notice that an officer is able to return to work, it would also require the officer to be reinstated to the same rank or grade they held prior to being placed on leave.

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Peters advances measure to update outdated child labor laws

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to safeguard the rights of young people, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure out of the Senate to update regulations on child labor to shield young individuals from exploitation.

“This measure shows we're committed to keeping young people in the workforce safe,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Protecting youth in work environments gives them the opportunity to learn and grow while contributing positively to the economy without fear of harm.”

Read more: Peters advances measure to update outdated child labor laws