SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison worked in tandem with local law enforcement officials to help pass a measure that clarifies the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensures smooth implementation of the law.

“I have heard the concerns from law enforcement and legal professionals – as well as community members – about the SAFE-T Act. While I supported the Pretrial Fairness Act, there were a number of items in the original law that needed clarification,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Over several months I talked with local law enforcement and other stakeholders about their concerns and am thankful they had a seat at the table during negotiations on this bill.”

A joint effort, the bill provides clarification to the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused on what the law actually does and leaving law enforcement with a number of questions.

House Bill 1095 clarifies the law by explaining judges can issues warrants and summons, providing a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested, and clarifying court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items. 

“I am pleased we were able to work together to put forth a comprehensive measure that makes the law clearer, makes implementation smoother, and – most importantly – makes communities safer,” said Morrison. “This was a truly collaborative effort that I am proud to support.”

It passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the House for further consideration.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison urges area residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“Every day, our first responders and their families make sacrifices to serve a cause greater than themselves,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should honor and thank our heroes not just today – but every day.”

First Responders Day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Morrison reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“I will continue to work to ensure our first responders receive the recognition and resources they deserve for their dedication to our communities,” Morrison said. “I urge residents to thank our first responders year round for their endless sacrifices to preserving our safety.” 

Morrison urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

GLENVIEW – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process and how to lower their property tax bill at an upcoming workshop co-hosted by State Senators Julie Morrison and Laura Fine.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the workshop, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Glenview Public Library, located at 1930 Glenview Rd. The workshop will take place in the Community Room East.

“High property taxes are the number one issue I hear about from residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We’re working on long-term property tax reforms in Springfield, but to provide some relief in the meantime, residents should consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

Residents are asked to bring their second installment property tax bill to the workshop, and to have their property index number on hand for reference.

"As the property tax appeals process is complex, I appreciate Commissioner Cabonargi’s office for hosting this workshop," Fine said "I am hopeful this workshop will provide residents with useful insight to help them navigate the appeals process."  

For more information about filing an appeal, including online appeal options and filing deadlines, residents can visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.

WHO: State Senator Julie Morrison, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Environmental Council
WHAT: Community Forum on PFAS and Forever Chemicals
WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022
WHERE: Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest, Illinois 60045

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison will host a community forum on PFAS and forever chemicals at 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday Oct. 11 at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.

“Some of our neighbors have expressed an interest in the risk posed by forever chemicals in our water,” said Senator Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I encourage all to join us for an informative event with experts who are working to provide us with clean water.”

Expert panelists will include Brad Frost and Tesch Woods, Office of Community Relations, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; Aaron Martin, Toxicology Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health; and Iyana Simba, City Programs Director, Illinois Environmental Council.

This event is free and open to the public.