Porfirio law to provide local flexibility for urgent road safety concerns

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Mike Porfirio will allow local governments to take swift action to solve road safety hazards if certain criteria are met.

“My priority will always be to keep our road roads safe both for drivers and pedestrians, especially in areas of critical need,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I will always support study-backed solutions to solving road safety issues, but in instances of urgent safety hazards, we need to enable local governments to take quick action to protect residents.”

Porfirio’s law, House Bill 5081, gives local authorities more structured flexibility to set lower speed limits based on safety principles. The law introduces the concept of “target speed” which helps to determine appropriate speed limits based on roadway context and safety. This allows municipalities to calibrate lower, reasonable speed limits in certain areas before a traffic study is completed.

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Morrison law ensures drivers can invoke appraisal on damaged vehicles

DEERFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison will provide insured drivers a way to resolve disputes with their insurers about repair costs or total loss valuations without involving the court system.

“Going through the courts to get an appraisal on a damaged vehicle is burdensome for both the policyholder and insurance company,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The right to invoke an appraisal cuts down on administrative barriers and ensures all parties are able to navigate the process without going to court.”

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Halpin effort to protect student free speech on college campuses becomes law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions has been signed into law.

“With this law, Illinois is holding firm on protecting the First Amendment,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our students and universities are under attack from every direction when it comes to speech and what should be learned in the classroom. They should not have to face this pressure on their own, Illinois has their back.”

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Glowiak Hilton law modernizes epinephrine access

SPRINGFIELD — For the parents of children with life-threatening allergies, every outing carries a level of anxiety that other families never have to consider. Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is easing that burden under a new law that will recognize all FDA-approved epinephrine treatments.

“Parents need that comfort knowing their child will have access to whatever form of epinephrine works best, whether they are at school, camp or an after school program,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Severe allergic reactions can happen at any time and any place, and can be a life or death situation.”

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