ISDC

Turner law reestablishes integrity, trust in death care industry

Details: Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 02:10 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Funeral homes will be held accountable under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner that came in response to a Carlinville funeral home insufficiently handling human remains, giving over 60 families the wrong remains.

“After months of discussions regarding the death care industry, it was clear the status quo wasn’t working,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Families who lost loved ones experienced what no one ever thought was possible – receiving the wrong remains. It’s past time that we hold bad actors accountable.”

Senate Bill 2643 adds identification rules and regulations for the handling and storing of human bodies. Additionally, it requires funeral establishments and crematory authorities to maintain a chain of custody records that are uniquely identified to the deceased, ensuring the death care industry is able to identify the human remains in its possession through final disposition.

Household paint recycling program one step closer with new Holmes law

Details: Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 02:04 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Homeowners throughout Illinois can look forward to getting unused household paint out of their garage or basement to designated collection centers for safe disposal soon. Legislation led by State Senator Linda Holmes sets out a process for regulators to propose and adopt specific regulations for the state’s upcoming paint recycling program, expected to begin operations in 2025.

The Paint Stewardship Act became law early this year, founding a program for Illinois to manage collecting, transporting and disposing unused household paint. Senate Bill 839 is the next stage for the program: setting rules and roles for state and federal regulators to allow Illinois consumers to begin dropping off paint at established collection points. PaintCare Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, represents paint manufacturers and works with states and jurisdictions that pass paint stewardship laws.

“This law moves us closer to a day next year when homeowners can begin dropping off their old paint at PaintCare’s collection sites,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Over time, at least 90% of Illinois residents will have a collection site, service or event within a 15-mile radius of their home free of charge. Getting these cans of unused paint out of our basements and garages will protect our state’s soil and water to continue growing crops to feed the state and nation.”

Expanded pathways for in-state tuition eligibility for students thanks to Villivalam law

Details: Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 01:58 PM

SPRINGFIELD- To increase access to higher education opportunities for students, including many of our immigrant residents, State Senator Ram Villivalam championed a law that expands eligibility for in-state tuition at Illinois colleges and universities.

“By expanding the eligibility pathways for in-state tuition, we are continuing to break down barriers to higher education,” said Villivalam. “This law will help ensure these opportunities continue to be accessible to members of our community.”

Under the new law, an individual can obtain in-state tuition if they are an Illinois resident, graduate from a high school in Illinois or attend a high school in Illinois for at least two years prior to enrollment.

Porfirio: Our service members deserve every chance to succeed

Details: Published: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 01:50 PM

SPRINGFIELD – Members of the National Guard and Reserve who are college or university students will soon be able to make up coursework they missed due to military obligations, thanks to a new law State Senator Mike Porfirio spearheaded through the General Assembly.

“This new law ensures our National Guard and Reserve members can fulfill their military duties without jeopardizing their academic progress,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This is a vital step in supporting their dual commitment to both education and service.”

According to Student Veterans of America, around 16% of military students are members of the Reserve or National Guard. The new law ensures fair treatment for these students by requiring public colleges and universities in Illinois to enact policies allowing students to complete missed classwork and assignments if the reason for the student’s absence was to fulfill military obligations.

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