SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, two new laws will protect consumers from shady business practices and promote transparency.

“The goal of these new laws is to protect small businesses and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Keeping our stores and delivery services transparent about pricing will ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in Illinois law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. To ensure shoppers receive their discount, Joyce supported House Bill 2910 to require supermarkets to show both the regular and sale prices of items as they are rung up.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

SPRINGFIELD – A Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and Representative Fran Hurley (D-Chicago) measure to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Wednesday.

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” Joyce said.

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce supports a new law that aims to reduce catalytic converter theft.

“We are seeing a record number of catalytic converters being stolen,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Something needed to change, and this new law will help reduce unauthorized cash sales of these converters.”

The law, previously House Bill 107, adds catalytic converters to the definition of recyclable metal, requiring businesses to keep record on catalytic converter sales. The license plate number of the vehicle, photographs or video of the seller, a verified name and address of the seller, and a signed declaration by the seller stating that the catalytic converter was not stolen is now required.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation to include motorcycles in the discussion of electric transportation—specifically to incentivize the purchase and use of electric motorcycles—was signed into law this month.

“As we start to see more and more electric vehicles on the road, we need to make sure that electric motorcycles get the same support,” said Joyce (D-Essex).

SPRINGFIELD – A measure reducing the registration fee for older Illinoisans was signed into law this month under legislation supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This new law is especially helpful to those on fixed incomes,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “We are all facing the burden from rising prices and inflation, it’s good to provide relief where we can.”

The measure would reduce the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

Under the act, an individual qualifies if they are 65 years of age or older or if a single person’s income is less than $33,562 a year and less than $44,533 for a couple.

The legislation is effective Jan. 1, 2023.

SPRINGFIELD – Future Farmers of America chapters across Illinois will soon see more financial assistance thanks to grants that would be paid out through the Future Farmers of America Fund created through legislation sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“As lifetime FFA member myself, I am proud to champion legislation that has full support across the board,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “FFA taught me so many valuable lessons that I still hold and apply to my life as a farmer and state senator – and I want to provide those same opportunities for other students across our state.”

House Bill 5400 also allows the Illinois Secretary of State to issue FFA universal specialty license plates. The funds collected from the distribution of the decals will then go into the Future Farmers of America Fund. Anyone can apply for and be issued one of the plates for an additional $25 to their standard vehicle registration fee. For the original issuance, $10 will go to the FFA Fund, and for renewals $23 will go to the fund.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce joined discussions on the impact of rising input costs and food supply issues – a problem that has drawn attention from President Joe Biden, who stood alongside Joyce and others at a Kankakee farm Wednesday.

“When you have the unique opportunity to advocate for our local communities to the President of the United States, you take it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “You know that Ag inputs and food shortages are an important issue when it has gotten the attention of our nation’s top leader.”