SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Ram Villivalam sponsored a newly signed law to further protect personally identifiable information of those seeking a name change.
“Our residents deserve to be able to change their name in private and without worry for their well-being or safety,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Requiring those seeking a name change to publish such change with a local newspaper relinquishes their privacy and poses a threat to the confidentiality of personally identifiable information.”
As judges retain the discretion to allow someone to change their name, House Bill 5164 removes the requirement to publish a name change with a local newspaper and lowers the Illinois residency requirement from six months to three months.
Read more: Villivalam law protects those seeking a name change
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s legislation to ensure patients suffering from chronic pain receive necessary treatments has been signed into law.
“Patients with legitimate chronic pain are placed at further risk of self-medicating or mental and physical harm if they are restricted from accessing necessary medical treatment,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Those suffering from chronic pain due to an injury or illness will now receive the care they need without barriers or misunderstandings.”
House Bill 5373 reflects new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain. The new law allows physicians to authorize necessary prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, without strict limitations based on dosage amounts except as provided under federal law.
Read more: Fine measure to expand chronic pain treatment signed into law
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s transformative measure aimed at safeguarding survivors of domestic violence has been signed into law. Karina’s Law enables the swift confiscation of firearms from individuals subject to emergency restraining orders, addressing critical gaps that have left survivors at risk.
“This law reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding survivors when they need it most,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Karina’s Law empowers law enforcement to act decisively, preventing tragedies and honoring the memory of Karina and Daniela.”
Read more: Karina’s Law signed to protect domestic violence survivors thanks to Villanueva
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Senate observed Wear Red Day at the Capitol Wednesday to bring awareness to women’s heart health.
State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) introduced Senate Resolution 23 to declare Feb. 7 as Wear Red Day in Illinois to urge all residents to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and in particular its impact on women.
“For far too long, women have been left out of research, testing and treatment despite experiencing unique life stages that increase our risk for developing cardiovascular disease during our lifetimes,” said Villa. “It is because of these gender disparities that days like today are crucial in spreading awareness on what we can do to increase support in our fight to lower the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Women at every age, stage of life and background need our support, and that is why we go red.”
Read more: Illinois Senate wears red for women’s heart health awareness
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has introduced two measures in response to the murder of Sonya Massey last year.
“Sonya’s death should have never happened,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Since that fatal day, I have worked with state and county officials, law enforcement and community members to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Alongside Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, we created the Massey Commission to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. Both of these measures came directly from the commission.”
Senate Bill 1953 would require law enforcement agencies to conduct a more comprehensive review of a prospective officer’s past employment to ensure his or her physical and psychological fitness for duty as a police officer before making an offer of employment. To ensure the highest degree of integrity and professionalism in the hiring process of sheriffs’ deputies and other personnel, the legislation would expand the creation of sheriff’s merit boards and sheriff’s merits commissions for counties with a population of at least 75,000.
Read more: Turner introduces measures in response to tragic murder of Sonya Massey
SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced his proposal for the creation of the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study, a critical initiative aimed at improving water sustainability and equity for the South Suburbs.
With many suburban municipalities over-relying on the City of Chicago for water access, Hastings is calling for a comprehensive study to assess current water distribution agreements, the impact of rising water rates, and explore alternative options for local control of water resources.
“Water sustainability may seem like a distant issue, but it’s only one or two generations away,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “In 50 years, my children will be addressing the public policy regarding water in our communities. We must act now to ensure that our water supply remains reliable, affordable, and fairly distributed for generations to come.”
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois families will soon have greater support in caring for children involved in the foster care system, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Mattie Hunter.
“Maintaining connections to families and traditions is critical for youth in care,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When family members step up to care for a child, they shouldn’t have to navigate complex processes to access available support or resources.”
House Bill 4781 — also known as the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — aims to reinforce family connections and improve outcomes for children in foster care. This new law will strengthen family engagement by requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care.
Read more: Hunter law strengthens family-centered foster care placements
SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate Public Health Committee’s approval of Senate Bill 93, State Senator Willie Preston joined fellow lawmakers and advocates at a press conference Wednesday to highlight his legislation to ban the use of harmful food additives.
“Consumers in Illinois should have full faith and trust in the foods and products they are consuming,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “Right now, Illinoisans are consuming harmful products without realizing it. We must focus on consumer safety and offer clear directives to food manufactures in order to keep all of Illinois healthy.”
Senate Bill 93, better known as the Illinois Food Safety Act, would ban specific, dangerous food additives from being used in the manufacturing, delivering, distributing, holding or selling of food products. These additives include potassium bromate and propylparaben.
Read more: Preston holds press conference of Food Safety Act to highlight bipartisan support
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