Martwick measure to hold rideshare companies accountable passes committee

SPRINGFIELD — Rideshare companies would be subject to the same care standards as all other transportation companies under new legislation introduced by State Senator Robert Martwick.

“When you get on a bus or a train, or ride in a plane or a taxi, you expect a certain level of professionalism – a certain standard of care,” said Martwick (D-Chicago.) “If something were to happen to you due to negligence on the company’s part, it’s your right to hold that company liable. As it stands, this protection does not apply to rideshare companies, like Uber or Lyft, and it’s time that changes.”

The common carrier doctrine holds transportation companies to the highest standard of care to their passengers. This includes being able to hold the company liable if their employee causes the passenger harm, through intentional means such as assault, or if a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident.

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Peters pushes for financial assistance in hospitals

SPRINGFIELD – A measure carried by State Senator Robert Peters that would help connect patients to financial assistance for hospital costs passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday.

“The costs associated with health care upkeep are high, especially for those with pre-existing conditions and those who don’t have medical insurance,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “People should not have to choose between crippling debt and receiving necessary medical treatment.”

House Bill 2719 would require hospitals to screen a patient for financial assistance eligibility and exhaust all cost-reducing avenues before taking a collection action against the patient. Additionally, the measure would provide a 90-day window for a patient to apply for financial assistance or hospital-provided discounts after receiving care.

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Loughran Cappel measure to increase days for substitute teachers to be in the classroom heads to Senate floor

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to continue addressing the teacher shortage, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel led a measure to increase the number of days substitute teachers can be in a classroom in an emergency situation.

“To make sure our students are getting the best education they can, we have to keep them with a familiar face,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Increasing the number of days a substitute teacher can teach allows students to continue to learn and grow, and provides consistency in the classroom.”

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Senator Mike Halpin advances legislation to limit EpiPen costs

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced legislation that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.

"No family should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation is a major step towards making EpiPens more affordable and accessible to all Illinoisans who need them."

Read more: Senator Mike Halpin advances legislation to limit EpiPen costs