“I think it’s great that people are taking advantage of our state’s lakes and rivers. They’re a great place for family fun. However, we need to keep everyone safe. We need to keep the lakes clean. And we need to make sure that they stay open to everyone.” - State Senator Julie Morrison

Deerfield, IL – Due to her impressive advocacy for increased safety on Illinois’ waterways, State Senator Julie Morrison has been tapped to lead an investigation into Illinois’ boater safety laws.

“We have law after law to ensure that people drive their cars safely. We need to make sure that we give watercraft the same scrutiny,” the Deerfield Democrat said. “A 1,000 pound boat can be every bit as deadly as a car.”

Morrison’s interest in waterway safety stems from personal tragedy. Her nephew, Tony Borcia, was killed by a drunken boat operator last year.

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SPRINGFIELD – Morrison said a new state audit underscores her belief that changes may be needed at the Department of Children and Family Services, changes she plans to explore at a series of upcoming statewide hearings.

“The children who enter the DCFS system are very vulnerable. It is our responsibility to safeguard them. Clearly the status quo is not working,” said Morrison, a longtime advocate for child welfare. Morrison’s involvement with the agency dates back to 1986, when she was appointed to serve on Governor’s Statewide Advisory Council to the Department of Children and Family Services.

Morrison (D-Deerfield) was already in the process of finalizing three hearings regarding lingering issues at DCFS when a new state audit was released this week. Illinois Auditor General William G. Holland’s office found that in addition to not determining whether cases are warranted in a timely manner, the agency failed to initiate investigations within a 24-hour time period.

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As you probably know, the General Assembly recently passed House Bill 183, a bill that authorizes people to carry concealed firearms in Illinois. I did not support House Bill 183 when it was called for a vote in the Senate, as I believe it is too restrictive in taking away local control of firearm regulations. At this point, the governor has failed to act on this bill.

Over the last several weeks, my office has received numerous inquiries as to the status of this bill and specifics relating to where a firearm may be carried and the requirements to obtain a concealed carry permit.

Given the high level of correspondence I have received, I have worked with my staff to come up with some answers to frequently asked questions concerning concealed carry.

Click here for answers to these commonly asked questions as well as more information regarding concealed carry in Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) released the following statement on her vote against House Bill 183.

“I think that local municipalities should have the ability to decide what gun control measures are appropriate for their own community,” Morrison said.  “Unfortunately, this bill takes away that right.  While I am glad the Senate reached a compromise, I could not support the measure because it takes away local control.”