Martwick-sponsored measure to formally consider dispatchers as first responders becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – Emergency medical dispatchers will receive the same benefits and training as other first responders after a measure spearheaded by State Senator Robert Martwick was signed into law.

“Dispatchers are first responders, and they need to be included in the same programs and receive the same support as police officers and firefighters,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “Our Dispatchers are the first line of defense in an emergency, hearing unspeakable circumstances while staying calm and helping the caller.  They deserve the same training, benefits and recognition as other first responders.”

Emergency medical dispatchers are special trained call-takers who identify complaints, triage patients’ severity and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers.  The new law, formerly known as Senate Bill 3127, will ensure emergency medical dispatchers are included in reference to first responders in existing laws.

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Martwick-supported measure to combat carjacking becomes law

SPRINGFIELD -  A measure to combat carjackings in Illinois was signed into law with strong support from State Senator Robert Martwick.

“I am pleased that we have taken this step to hold criminals accountable,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This law puts us one step closer toward addressing this critical public safety issue across our state.”

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Real Estate Valuation Task Force to be formed under Hunter law

SPRINGFIELD – A Real Estate Valuation Task Force will be established under a new law led by State Senator Mattie Hunter, aiming to combat discrimination in the housing industry.

“Black people have been at a generational disadvantage in this country since we were denied our right to forty acres and a mule,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Even in the modern era, we’ve dealt with systemic barriers such as redlining and other forms of housing discrimination. It’s past time for change.”

The creation of the Real Estate Valuation Task Force stems from an unresolved history of federal housing agencies discriminating against Black and Brown people when underwriting real estate loans.

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Organ donor registry expands under new Belt law

CHICAGO – People will have an additional opportunity to become an organ donor thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“Organ donors save countless lives every year,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “After living on dialysis for a year, I received a kidney transplant in January 2010. I know the importance of giving people more opportunities to become organ donors.”

House Bill 4696 allows the Department of Natural Resources to offer online hunting license holders the opportunity to be redirected to the First Person Consent Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.  On average, 300 people die each year waiting for an organ donation. More than 4,700 Illinois residents are waiting for an organ or tissue donation. In 2020, there were 7 million Illinoisans registered as organ donors.

Read more: Organ donor registry expands under new Belt law