Faraci moves to give veterans and first responders access to mental health services of their choice

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci is leading a measure to give veterans and first responders access to mental health providers of their choice.

“We have to give veterans and first responders proper access to their preferred mental health services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Right now, we have police and firefighters who can’t receive mental health services from trained professionals of their choice and we need to change that.”

The legislation is in response to a situation in Champaign where several firefighters were unable to engage the mental health counselor of their choice based on a non-compete clause in the counselor’s contract. When a mental health professional leaves their employment with a provider, often times there is a non-compete clause in their contract, leaving them unable to provide services within a 50-mile radius for two years. In the 52nd District, a non-compete clause would not only prevent a mental health counselor from providing services in Champaign, but it would also stop them from providing services in surrounding communities, including Urbana, Rantoul and Danville. Police, fire and veteran organizations often want to contract mental health professionals that have a shared background or an establishment of trust with the organization, making these non-compete clauses detrimental to mental health care access for first responders and veterans.

Read more: Faraci moves to give veterans and first responders access to mental health services of their choice

Sims works to give youth who commit non-violent crimes resources to get back on track

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading efforts to ensure youth who commit non-violent crimes are given a second chance.

“Providing youth with the opportunity to develop positive behaviors should be the foundation of our efforts to prevent further crime and violence,” said Sims (D-Chicago). “Too often, young people veer off the path toward healthy adult lives because they aren’t provided the resources they need to stay on track.”

Under Sims’ measure, people under the age of 18 who committed a non-violent crime would be provided a number of resources, including employment opportunities, educational resources, parental mentorship training and more.

Read more: Sims works to give youth who commit non-violent crimes resources to get back on track

Turner advances measure to protect consumers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner advanced a measure that would protect consumers by requiring notice for automatic renewals offered by businesses.

“Some businesses use deceptive tactics with automatic renewals, which can lead to unexpected charges for consumers,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By providing sufficient notice of renewals, we are ensuring businesses are transparent and not taking advantage of us.”

Senate Bill 2764 would require businesses that offer a free gift or trial period of its products or services that automatically renew to notify the consumer by email at least two weeks before the cancellation deadline. The measure would apply to free gift or trial periods that last longer than 15 days.

Read more: Turner advances measure to protect consumers

Stadelman legislation would expand criminal stalking to include electronic tracking

ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman advanced legislation through the Senate Judiciary Committee that keeps victims and survivors safe from their abusers by expanding the definition of stalking to include electronic tracking systems.

"As tracking devices become more popular, people are caught using them for the wrong reasons,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford).

With advances in technology, people are using electronic devices to keep track of their luggage, wallets and other personal belongings. However, people are also using them to stalk others.

Through Senate Bill 2683, Stadelman is working to change the Stalking No Contact Order Act to be consistent with the criminal definition of stalking. The new legislation would change the definition of “course of conduct” of stalking to include the use of an electronic tracking system to determine a person’s location, movement or travel patterns. The legislation would also allow judges to prohibit respondents from using electronic tracking systems and acquiring tracking information in a court order.

Read more: Stadelman legislation would expand criminal stalking to include electronic tracking