Morrison bill expands state police’s authority to investigate online crimes against children

SPRINGFIELD — Today, children have internet access at every turn — from tablets to phones and other smart devices — putting them at greater risk of exploitation. To help protect children from this growing threat, State Senator Julie Morrison is working with the Illinois State Police to expand their authority to investigate and put an end to these internet crimes.

“Online predators don’t limit themselves based on county lines, so neither should our police investigations,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation removes barriers to allow state police to act quickly and effectively when children are targeted online.”

House Bill 2586 would give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The legislation aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes would bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

Read more: Morrison bill expands state police’s authority to investigate online crimes against children

Senate Democrats pay tribute to fallen firefighters at memorial ceremony

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus gathered to honor firefighters who risked their lives on the job during the 32^nd annual Illinois Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony.

The Illinois Firefighter Memorial honors the courageous firefighters of Illinois who have valiantly given their lives in the line of duty, as well as those who continue to serve with courage, pride and honor. The ceremony also gives families of fallen firefighters the Line of Duty Death Award in recognition of their loved ones’ bravery and resilience.

Read more: Senate Democrats pay tribute to fallen firefighters at memorial ceremony

Feigenholtz brings gender-inclusive language to real estate law

SPRINGFIELD — Continuing her efforts to protect the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ Illinoisans, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz advanced legislation this week to update Illinois’ property laws with gender-neutral language.

“I’m proud of what Illinois has done to support the LGBTQ+ community, from updating our marriage laws with gender-neutral language to easing barriers to name changes,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “House Bill 1083 continues this critical work of ensuring Illinois’ laws give people the freedom to live as their true, authentic selves.”

Current law only references property transfers between a husband and wife, which has led to lengthy delays in real estate transactions for same-sex couples and transgender individuals in Illinois. Feigenholtz’s proposal addresses this problem by revising state law to refer to married couples with gender-neutral language, giving clarity to title companies and ensuring same-sex couples do not face barriers to acquiring or transferring property.

Read more: Feigenholtz brings gender-inclusive language to real estate law

Feigenholtz: We can rebuild our city’s vibrant, thriving downtown economy

SPRINGFIELD — Like large urban centers throughout the country, downtown Chicago faces critical challenges coming out of the pandemic as people make different decisions about how and where they live, work, dine and play — something State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is working to change.

“With hybrid workforces, evolving consumer habits and low office occupancy rates across the central business district, Chicago is in need of a united revitalization effort,” Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) said. “By carefully examining what other cities have done to bounce back from post-pandemic challenges, we can creatively and sustainably rebuild our vibrant, thriving downtown economy.”

Feigenholtz is working to create the Chicago Downtown Revitalization Task Force. The task force would study factors impacting long-term growth in Chicago’s central business district and recommend innovative policies to enhance economic activity, attract travelers and investments, and increase the overall vitality of the city’s central business district.

Read more: Feigenholtz: We can rebuild our city’s vibrant, thriving downtown economy