- Details
- Category: Latest
SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this year, three Illinois officers were struck by cars within 24 hours after drivers chose to ignore the “Move Over” law. To help combat the rising number of officer injuries and deaths by vehicle, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a new law to enhance Scott’s Law penalties.
“This law should be common sense, yet every day dozens of people are breaking it and putting the lives of officers at risk,” Morrison said. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for some people, so we’re going to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear – and that’s by requiring people to give up their free time to do community service work.”
Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down their cars, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. During a 19-day period earlier this year, the Illinois State Police issued 1,340 tickets to people breaking Scott’s Law.
Under current statute, a person who violates Scott’s Law will be fined between $250 to $10,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second. The amount is determined by a judge.
Under the new law, a judge may also issue the violator a term of community service work on top of the fine.
“Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed simply for doing their jobs,” Morrison said. “We must ensure no other family has to endure the pain of a call that says their loved one was run down while protecting their community.”
Senate Bill 1913 takes effect Thursday.
- Details
- Category: Latest
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.
“While a lot of our favorite activities were halted during the pandemic – much of our daily work and meetings weren’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”
The law amends the Business Corporation Act to allow boards of directors of corporations to host shareholder meetings through virtual communication. If a corporation chooses to use these means, they must implement measures to allow shareholders to view, participate and vote.
The legislation comes after some Illinois corporations raised safety concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They argue their work can be done just as effectively via remote communication. Other states, including New York, Delaware and New Jersey, have already adopted laws allowing remote shareholder meetings.
“This law simply allows those businesses and shareholders to do what most of us have been doing for nearly a year: meet virtually,” Morrison said.
Senate Bill 116 was signed Friday and takes immediate effect.
- Details
- Category: Latest
LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – Community members from across Lake County joined State Senators Adriane Johnson and Julie Morrison over the weekend for an ice cream social and town hall.
“It was a pleasure to spend time with so many members of the community, discussing their visions for our area’s future,” Johnson said. “The event was a great opportunity to break the ice and spread the word about how new legislation is going to make life better for residents.”
People came out to meet the senators at Horizon Park Saturday. Johnson and Morrison spoke with the group about their legislative accomplishments and received feedback from community members – all while enjoying free ice cream.
“Meeting people of all ages who are politically engaged and are genuinely interested in the work we do in Springfield is always a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We appreciate everyone who came out and made this a successful event.”
People who weren’t able to make the event but have questions for the senators can contact Senator Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200 or Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.
- Details
- Category: Latest
SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.
“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”
Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.
About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.
“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.
Senate Bill 346 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.
More Articles …
Page 31 of 39