Caucus News

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to curb the growing threat of synthetic drugs, State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation in the Senate to regulate the use of xylazine — a powerful animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl and tied to overdose deaths.

“We’re seeing xylazine turning already dangerous drugs into something even more lethal,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By classifying the drug as a controlled substance, we’re giving law enforcement a path to respond to this escalating crisis without disrupting approved usage by veterinary professionals.”

Senate Bill 1773 would update the state’s controlled substance classifications to better address emerging drug trends, such as the mixing of fentanyl and xylazine. The bill, an initiative of the Illinois State Police, aims to provide law enforcement with more effective tools to combat the evolving challenges posed by illicit drug use. It would categorize xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance and clear up legal definitions to align Illinois law with federal standards, preventing loopholes that could put people at risk.

SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses.

“We teach children at a young age the importance of buckling their seat belt when getting into a car,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With many students riding a school bus several times a week, a seat belt is one more layer of protection.”

Under Senate Bill 191, all school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031 would be required to have seat belts on all seats. Current law requires drivers and passengers ages 8 and older to wear seat belts in passenger vehicles, but there is no law requiring safety belts on buses. If the measure passes, Illinois would join nine other states requiring seat belts on buses.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison applauded Friday’s announcement that Vantive, a kidney care company, will invest $23 million and locate its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, bringing 50 new jobs to the area.

“This investment is a massive win for Illinois,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Not only will this bring good jobs to the region, but it will also support Illinois' continued advancement in the health care industry, ensuring we are able to compete with the best in the business.”

Vantive is the latest recipient of a tax credit through the Senate Democrat-supported Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy program. The EDGE program provides annual corporate tax incentives to qualifying businesses that support job creation and capital investment — committing more than $650 million in investments across the state in 2024.

SPRINGFIELD — To support sexual assault survivors, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would remove barriers and improve protections for individuals seeking medical care.

“Survivors deserve compassionate care that meets their needs and empowers their choices,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Healing from trauma takes time and courage, and our systems should support this journey.”

Senate Bill 1602 works to create a more supportive and responsive system for those receiving care after a sexual assault. Morrison worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office who spearheaded this initiative, which includes a number of changes in how hospitals handle sexual assault cases based on recommendations from the state’s Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act Implementation Task Force.

SPRINGFIELD — The National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified more than 5,600 trafficking victims in Illinois alone since 2007 — and authorities estimate the true number of victims to be much higher. To improve how the state identifies and supports victims of human trafficking, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced a bipartisan proposal that would strengthen training and streamline services among agencies.

“This legislation is the product of two years of work among the Illinois State Police and state agencies on how the state can close many of the gaps that exist in current processes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With these changes, we put ourselves in a better position to identify victims earlier and get them the help they need.”

SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing that the health of humans, animals and the environment are interconnected, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would improve collaboration between health care professionals, veterinarians and environmental experts when it comes to addressing public health challenges in Illinois.

“We’ve witnessed firsthand the impact the health of animals and humans have on one another, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent outbreak of bird flu,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Working together across disciplines will help the state tackle complex health challenges more effectively.”

SPRINGFIELD — After serving their country, many veterans grapple with securing their next meal — a reality State Senator Julie Morrison is working to address through legislation that would allow more Illinois military families to access federal food benefits.

“Food insecurity is a real issue affecting veterans throughout the state, including in the 29^th District,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We cannot stand by as those who dedicated their time and safety to defend us go hungry.”

SPRINGFIELD — While support services exist for a range of substance use disorders, similar resources can be difficult to access for individuals facing a gambling addiction. State Senator Julie Morrison is working to close this gap with legislation that would recognize compulsive gambling as a disorder, paving the way to improved treatment in Illinois.

“Gambling releases dopamine and can quickly escalate from a fun pastime to a serious issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By recognizing gambling disorder as a health condition, we are breaking down barriers to treatment and recovery.”

Senate Bill 118 would recognize gambling disorder under the Substance Use Disorder Act, allowing the Illinois Department of Human Services to integrate treatment of the condition through their work of addressing substance use.

According to a 2021 statewide report commissioned by IDHS, 3.8% of adult Illinois residents experienced problems with gambling, with an additional 7.7% of Illinoisans at risk of developing a gambling problem. Morrison’s legislation would enable IDHS to establish programs for the prevention, recognition and treatment of gambling disorder, as well as utilize funding to support local intervention programs through grants.

“When gambling gets out of hand, it can have a snowball effect on a person’s life,” said Morrison. “It’s important that a system of care is in place to support individuals without judgement as they recover.”

Senate Bill 118 passed the Senate on Thursday.