SPRINGFIELD -  A measure to combat carjackings in Illinois was signed into law with strong support from State Senator Robert Martwick.

“I am pleased that we have taken this step to hold criminals accountable,” said Martwick (D-Chicago). “This law puts us one step closer toward addressing this critical public safety issue across our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – A Real Estate Valuation Task Force will be established under a new law led by State Senator Mattie Hunter, aiming to combat discrimination in the housing industry.

“Black people have been at a generational disadvantage in this country since we were denied our right to forty acres and a mule,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Even in the modern era, we’ve dealt with systemic barriers such as redlining and other forms of housing discrimination. It’s past time for change.”

The creation of the Real Estate Valuation Task Force stems from an unresolved history of federal housing agencies discriminating against Black and Brown people when underwriting real estate loans.

CHICAGO – People will have an additional opportunity to become an organ donor thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“Organ donors save countless lives every year,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “After living on dialysis for a year, I received a kidney transplant in January 2010. I know the importance of giving people more opportunities to become organ donors.”

House Bill 4696 allows the Department of Natural Resources to offer online hunting license holders the opportunity to be redirected to the First Person Consent Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.  On average, 300 people die each year waiting for an organ donation. More than 4,700 Illinois residents are waiting for an organ or tissue donation. In 2020, there were 7 million Illinoisans registered as organ donors.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Fine’s (D-Glenview) measure to ensure caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are trained on how to best treat these specific conditions is now law.                                                    

“Before this law, caregivers were not required to receive substantial training on how to specifically care for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s,” Fine said. “This important change will ensure our loved ones receive treatment specialized to their specific, changing conditions to achieve their highest quality of life possible.” 

Over 230,000 people in Illinois are living with Alzheimer’s. Many take part in the Community Care Program, which allows seniors with or without these conditions to receive in-home and community-based services from their own homes. Employees that provide these services are currently required to complete 12 to 24 hours of training, but training specific to dementia and Alzheimer’s patients is optional.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a newly-signed law sponsored by State Senator Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), school boards across the state will have the option to include safe firearm storage in their safety education curriculum.

“Guns are the leading cause of death of children in Illinois,” Villa said. “By giving students the opportunity to learn about safe, responsible firearm ownership, we are giving them the tools to protect themselves and others.”

Under House Bill 5193, safe gun storage will be added to existing safety education instruction taught in schools in Illinois. Automobile safety, CPR training, safety in the home, and safety while carrying out vocational training or work are all examples of what is already included in statewide safety education curriculum.

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 – Illinois now has a new law on the books to address the growing need for mental health services for first responders, thanks to State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) sponsored House Bill 1321, which creates the First Responder Behavioral Health Grant Program to provide grants to municipalities, law enforcement agencies, fire protection and school districts, hospitals and ambulance services. It was signed into law on Friday.

“Every day our brave officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” Hastings said. “First responders across Illinois have difficult jobs and often find themselves in high stress situations. This new program will help provide municipalities and law enforcement agencies among many others offer better services for officers looking for the tools to check in on their mental health.”

LITCHFIELD – The City of Litchfield will soon see $2 million in improvements at the industrial park development thanks to State Senator Doris Turner’s continued support of the state’s major multi-year infrastructure plan.

“Litchfield, in recent years, has grown to become a regional hub for business and development that has propelled the city to new prosperity,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I want to help continue the growth that will fuel Litchfield for years to come.”