ICIJA grant approvals to have quicker turnaround times under Cervantes law

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a new law led by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes, applicants for grants through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICIJA) will soon see faster turnarounds on their approvals.

“The current bureaucratic process around grading ICIJA grant applications puts an unnecessary burden on workers and can delay the grants being awarded,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure is a long overdue update that will ensure the grant application process is efficient for all parties.” 

ICIJA utilizes volunteer workers to score grant applications — a rule intended to keep the process unbiased. However, this can lead to lengthy delays due to dips in volunteer work, or unreliable expertise levels in the grading process.

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Halpin law to protect homeowners against unfair contractors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to guarantee attorney’s fees to defendants in a home repair or remodeling contract has been signed into law.

“Homeowners deserve fair compensation and quality representation if they have a genuine dispute and receive a favorable ruling,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law ensures a resident will have one less cost barrier to enforce their rights against a contractor.”

State law already required consumer contracts in cases under $10,000 to pay out attorney’s fees to a consumer if the consumer prevails in their action. This initiative will ensure that if a home repair and remodeling contract allows attorney’s fees, then the contract will permit the award of attorney’s fees to all parties in the contract.

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Seniors protected from deceptive practices under new Turner law

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance companies will no longer be able to solicit nursing home residents under a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Local nursing home residents had reached out saying they were being solicited to buy new insurance policies or change their current plans,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We can’t let seniors be the target of deceptive practices by insurance companies.”

House Bill 1865 makes it illegal to solicit a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, or someone over the age of 65 to purchase accident and health insurance unless the insurance company waits 48 hours before making any insurance-related changes and the individual is given the ability to opt out.

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Simmons Passes Law to Expand the Definition of Bicycles in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure bikes are properly defined in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law aligns the definition of bicycles in Illinois.

“As an avid bike rider myself, I know how many people use our pathways every day for work, exercise, and enjoyment,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When someone rides their bike in our communities, they can now be confident of their safety and legality.”

Simmons’ passed into law Senate Bill 2285, which expands the definition of bicycles to include low-speed electric bikes alongside any human-powered device, which will allow for expanded complete streets planning for all using bikes.

“This is a simple fix to the rules that will allow for more people to bike together and bike safely,” said Simmons.

Senate Bill 2285 was signed into law on Friday.