SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) passed an updated ‘Red Flag’ proposal out of the Senate today that would empower concerned family members or law enforcement officers to take action when a loved one with access to a firearm is exhibiting dangerous or threatening behavior.

“In far too many mass shooting events, family members identified disturbing behavior in their loved ones and didn’t know where to turn,” Morrison said. “In some cases, when this behavior was reported, there was no legal mechanism to step in and prevent potential tragedy.”

Morrison’s legislation, contained in House Bill 2354, would create the Firearms Restraining Order Act, allowing a family member or law enforcement official to alert the court system when an individual with access to a firearm is displaying threatening or unsafe behavior that could lead to injury to themselves or to the general public.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) passed her plan to improve medical care for survivors of rape and sexual assault out of the Senate this afternoon.

“After survivors have endured one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can ever live through, it is vital hospitals and their staff are prepared to treat them with the utmost care,” Morrison said. “No victim should ever feel re-traumatized by seeking medical attention. In order to heal and seek justice against their perpetrator, victims must receive top-notch care by trained and compassionate medical personnel.”

House Bill 5245 is a package of reforms meant to expedite the overall medical care of sexual assault survivors. The proposal would ensure survivors of sexual assault receive prompt medical treatment within 90 minutes of arriving at a hospital and also that medical personnel are trained to perform rape kits and other examinations needed after a sexual assault.

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SPRINGFIELD – The $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions included in President Trump’s federal tax overhaul threatens states like Illinois. Illinois relies more on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction than other states.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) passed a proposal out of the Senate this afternoon that would allow Illinois taxpayers to donate up to 90 percent of their state income or property taxes to again itemize one’s federal income tax above the $10,000 cap. 

“Capping the SALT deduction punishes states like Illinois that have higher property tax burdens and above-average incomes,” Morrison said. “For a state like Illinois, which contributes much more in federal taxes than we receive back in programs and services, this is an unfair tax policy that must be rectified.” 

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SPRINGFIELD – The mass shooting in Tennessee in late April that left four dead at a Waffle House prompted State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) to introduce legislation that would increase oversight whenever a family member takes possession of a firearm from an individual who is deemed not qualified to possess the weapon. Today, the Senate passed her proposal.

“This tragic situation suggests we need to be more specific about what our laws mean and how they should be enforced,” Morrison said. “It is of paramount importance that firearms do not end up back in the hands of individuals who have been deemed unfit to possess them.”

Morrison’s plan, contained in Senate Bill 2387, would require any individual taking possession of a firearm from someone not eligible to have it to fill out an affidavit attesting they understand their responsibilities under the law. The affidavit would be filed with the Illinois State Police and also the state’s attorney where the recipient resides. 

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