CHICAGO – Survivors of rape often don’t seek medical care out of fear a parent or abuser could find out. State Senator Julie Morrison championed a newly signed law to provide survivors with greater safety and peace of mind.
“The trauma associated with sexual assault is already profound – the last thing survivors need is the added stress of a lack of privacy and confidentiality,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will allow people to feel more secure in seeking a rape exam.”
Morrison’s law allows sexual assault survivors to access to related health care services free-of-charge for 180 days after their initial medical forensic exam – allowing them to forgo billing their private insurance. Many survivors fear receiving medical help following a sexual assault because they’re worried their insurance policy holder – a parent or spouse, for example – will find out.
Read more: Morrison law provides protection, safety to sexual assault survivors
CHICAGO – To give insulin-dependent diabetics a more effective way to manage their blood sugar levels, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a newly signed law to require insurance plans to cover continuous glucose monitors.
“This is a development in science that should be available to help people better regulate their diabetes,” Morrison said. “Glucose monitoring systems should be covered the same as other medical equipment.”
Under Morrison’s law, insurance plans will be required to include coverage for continuous glucose monitors, which are regularly used to help people manages their diabetes through a wearable device rather than pricking their finger. Any person with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes that requires insulin will be provided coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
SPRINGFIELD – To put the state on a path toward increased sustainability, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday to cut back on single-use plastic being sent to landfills.
“It’s simple: Eliminating plastic use at our parks is a small step we can take to make a big difference,” Morrison said.
Morrison’s law will require state agencies to only contract with vendors that do not use single-use plastics for food services at state parks and natural areas starting in January 2024. Rather, compostable or recyclable foodware will need to be utilized – except plastic straws upon request only.
SPRINGFIELD – Drivers with autism or other disabilities that impede effective communication will have better experiences during routine traffic stops, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest).
“A routine traffic stop sparks anxiety for anyone – now imagine you are a driver who has autism or another medical condition that makes processing social cues and responding to commands difficult,” Morrison said. “That can quickly lead to a stressful situation for both the driver and the police officer.”
Morrison’s law signed Friday will create the opportunity for drivers to disclose a medical condition or disability that could impede effective communication with a police officer.
“An important part of inclusive communities is overcoming barriers to communication, especially during potentially stressful interactions,” said Josh Evans, president/CEO of IARF, which represents disability service providers throughout Illinois. “This law is an important step toward inclusion for persons with disabilities and it is a reasonable accommodation to improve interactions with law enforcement to prevent the potential for an unnecessary or unintentional escalation.”
Read more: Drivers with autism to have more support, protections thanks to Morrison law
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a recently signed law to ensure people store their guns in a safe and secure manner.
“Recognizing that unsecured guns pose a public health risk is an important step in preventing accidental injuries and deaths,” Morrison said. “These programs will serve as a reminder of the lethal power of firearms and that proper storage can help prevent tragic accidents.”
Morrison sponsored a law signed Friday that directs the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop a two-year, multi-phase statewide firearm storage and safety campaign that would include distribution of gun locks and safes, buyback programs in partnership with law enforcement and an evaluation piece to measure the impact of the program.
Read more: Senator Morrison law brings gun safety to families
NORTH CHICAGO – The City of North Chicago will soon see $2 million in improvements at the Sheridan Crossing development thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.
“This simple investment into our community will go a long way in serving the residents of North Chicago and the surrounding area,” Morrison said. “That’s why I was proud to support the Rebuild Illinois Plan – because it’s not just about infrastructure, it’s about community.”
A total of $2 million has been allocated through the next disbursement of Rebuild Illinois program funding to install public utilities and roadways at the Sheridan Crossing development. The project in the district Morrison represents is one of 34 projects announced Tuesday totaling $50.7 million.
SPRINGFIELD – Spouses of people in Medicaid-funded long-term care facilities will soon be able to keep more of their own personal savings thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison.
“By aligning Illinois’ allowance for community spouses with the rest of the country, we are signaling to older adults that we care for them and wish to give them the ability to care for themselves and their spouse with no added stress,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This is their money – there’s no reason they shouldn’t be have access to it.”
Read more: Morrison plan puts older adults’ money back in their own pockets
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison championed a measure signed Wednesday that will provide a more holistic approach to supporting the mental health of children within the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
“The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of stress and trauma that contributed to skyrocketing rates of mental health problems among children – especially those within the foster care system,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It’s vital we tackle the alarming rates of mental health problems in ways that are less invasive by providing greater healing-centered care. I firmly believe that’s how you create sustainable, scalable change in the lives of children.”
Read more: Morrison leads holistic approach to treating mental health within DCFS
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