SPRINGFIELD – To help libraries have an easier time acquiring e-book and audiobook licenses, State Senator Laura Murphy passed legislation through the Senate Thursday.

“There is a demand for e-books and audiobooks, but more often than not the prices set by publishers is prohibitively expensive, restrictive or simply not available,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the State Librarian negotiating on behalf of libraries, it is my hope that the process of acquiring licenses will become easier.”

The measure would allow the Secretary of State, acting as the State Librarian, to negotiate with publishers of e-books and audiobooks on behalf of libraries to get necessary licensure of the product. Additionally, it would establish a grant program to provide funds to libraries and library districts to pay for digital licenses.

Consumption of digital books has been on the rise for more than a decade. According to Pew, checkout rates of e-books, audiobooks and digital magazines exceeded half a billion in 2021. However, publishers can set expiration dates on their licenses, limit the number of times an e-book can be borrowed or refuse them altogether.

“It is my hope that a proactive approach will allow our libraries greater access to these e-books and audiobooks,” Murphy said. “Libraries provide an invaluable service to our communities. It is time they get the help they need to fully provide this popular service.”

Senate Bill 2419 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further deliberation.

SPRINGFIELD – To study a potential payment plan program for owner-occupants to repay delinquent property taxes, State Senator Robert Peters passed a measure that would create the Property Tax Payment Plan Task Force.

“Homeownership is a symbol of social mobility in addition to being a source of equity,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “When greedy investors take advantage of homeowners who are behind on property tax payments, they aren’t just damaging the homeowner and their family, but also the generations after them.”

SPRINGFIELD – After Illinois enacted a law in 2021 to stop pet stores from selling pets from unscrupulous breeders, some of those establishments chose to skirt that law with a loophole. State Senator Linda Holmes passed a new piece of legislation on Thursday to close the loophole and protect pet lovers from overpriced puppies that are often bred in inhumane conditions.

“Apparently the shady breeders who spent millions of dollars lobbying to stop our efforts in 2021 wanted to continue their practices,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Many of my colleagues and I, as well as animal welfare supporters statewide, believe pets suffer and often don’t survive the greed and inhumane care this process is known for.”

Senate Bill 1230 changes the definitions of “dog dealer” and “animal shelter” to not include a person who sells dogs at retail to the public – which means selling companion animals at brick-and-mortar establishments that were obtained from breeders or brokers for compensation and not bred on its premises. This closes the loophole pet shop operators use to avoid obtaining dogs from animal shelters and instead from breeders.

SPRINGFIELD – Recognizing the current archaic testing and promotion procedure for Chicago firefighters, State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure today to streamline the process and ensure a more equitable system.

“The brave firemen and women of Chicago risk their lives to protect their community every day,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “I’m happy to give back to those who serve by improving this tedious process.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District passed the Senate on Thursday.

"There’s nothing more rewarding than passing legislation that helps our local community," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation is another tool for economic growth in the City of Rock Island."

The establishment of the Rock Island Regional Port District aligns with the goal of encouraging the use of waterways to efficiently transport goods and provide for economies of scale. The Port District will also boost recreation and tourism activities along the river. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be the twentieth public port district in Illinois, joining the likes of the Waukegan Port District and the Illinois International Port District.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine’s proposed pilot program to provide first responders with 8-milligram naloxone kits to prevent overdose from opioids passed the Senate on March 23 —making it one step closer to becoming law.

“Increasing the dosage of naloxone will allow medical professionals more time to save lives,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This is the best next step to preventing more devastation and loss of life due to opioid and drug addiction in our communities.”

In 2021, more than 3,000 people in Illinois died from an opioid overdose. Although emergency medical providers have access to 4-milligram naloxone nasal spray kits, that isn’t always strong enough to reverse an overdose.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler led a measure through the Senate that would create requirements for geographical, racial and ethnic diversity for any new task force, blue ribbon panel, commission or organization on education.

“Chicago and its neighboring communities don’t understand the issues rural school districts face, so why aren’t they properly represented in these group panels?” said Koehler (D – Peoria). “This initiative gives accurate representation to all schools affected by education group panels, so that we can address every need our schools have.”

SPRINGFIELD – A measure led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to prohibit “spoof” calling – a misleading tactic call scammers use to disguise their caller ID – advanced out of the Senate Thursday.

“Time and again, residents are faced with harassment from scammers,” said Glowiak Hilton (D – Western Springs). “We need to protect our residents from these malicious calls.”

Senate Bill 160 prohibits spoof calls – and would no longer allow people to use a fake caller ID. The measure would also require automated telemarketers to state the organization they represent, the purpose of the call and require them to confirm that the individual wants to continue with the call. If the caller refuses the organization’s solicitation, the business must ensure they will not call the individual again and must take the steps necessary to remove the individual from their records.