SPRINGFIELD – Oftentimes following a mass shooting, friends, family members or neighbors mention they were worried about the person’s threatening behavior but didn’t know where to turn.

“Time and time again, we hear family members say they were worried that someone close to them would harm others, but they didn’t know who to tell until it was too late,” said State Senator Julie Morrison. “Previously, if a person did report disturbing behavior, there was not a law in place to allow law enforcement to step in.”

The far too common occurrence led the Deerfield Democrat to pass the Firearms Restraining Order Act – also known as the “Red Flag” law.

The measure – which went into effect in January – allows family members and law enforcement officials who have concerns that someone is a threat to themselves or others the right to ask a judge to temporarily remove their guns.

If a judge grants the restraining order, law enforcement may seize the respondent’s firearms for up to six months and prevent them from purchasing additional weapons during that time period.

“The Red Flag law has the ability to stop mass shootings by temporarily keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “If you are concerned about the behavior of a loved one, I encourage you to contact local law enforcement.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) has been appointed to the Task Force on Strengthening the Child Welfare Workforce for Family and Children.

Morrison – who chairs the Senate Human Services Committee – looks forward to studying the workload of child welfare employees to determine the recruitment and retention of the workers.

She released the statement below:

“Analysing the compensation and workload of child welfare workers will allow the task force to determine the role staff turnover plays in achieving safety and permanency for children,” Morrison said. “I am pleased to continue working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in Illinois.”

Join State Senators Julie Morrison and Laura Fine for a Solar & Energy Efficiency Workshop, where energy experts will be on hand to discuss solar energy options, tips and ways to save energy and money and how to manage your energy by taking advantage of online tools and price programs.

The event is being held on Thursday, October 17 from 6:30p until 8:00p at the North Suburban YMCA (2705 Techny Road, Northbrook).

Questions?

Contact Senator Morrison's office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200.

Click on the flyer for more information

SPRINGFIELD – Flavored tobacco products – intentionally being targeted to children with candy-like names – would no longer be sold in Illinois under a plan introduced recently by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“In all of their forms, tobacco products are dangerous to human health and can lead to serious, life-long health consequences,” Morrison said. “The creation of sugary flavorings only entices young children to try tobacco for the first time and threatens the progress we have made over the last several decades in reducing tobacco use among young people.”

Morrison’s proposal – contained in Senate Bill 2275 – would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Morrison introduced the proposal on the heels of recent action by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banning flavored e-cigarettes.

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