SPRINGFIELD – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – also known as DMD – is a rare disorder, and severe if not caught early enough to be treated. State Senator Julie Morrison sponsored a law that will require all newborns to be screened for DMD.

“DMD is a devastating disease that tragically takes the lives of children far too soon,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will increase newborn screening and early intervention for this rare but fatal disease.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder caused by a change in the dystrophin gene affecting about 20,000 babies each year worldwide. It is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle, which results in deterioration of the skeletal, heart, and lung muscles. Because the dystrophin gene is found on the X-chromosome, it primarily affects males, while females are typically carriers.

By the time the symptoms of DMD are detected, it is typically too late to treat. Additionally, it takes 2.5 years on average to diagnose after caregivers first notice symptoms – giving parents little to no time to receive help for their children. Senate Bill 2658 will require each newborn to be screened for the disease, giving those diagnosed the ability to receive effective treatment.

“Early diagnosis allows for the highest chance of survival,” said Morrison. “This law will save precious lives.”

Senate Bill 2658 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison passed a law to bring more diversity to clinical cancer trials.

“Increasing the diversity of those participating in clinical cancer trials will have a positive impact on the ability to study how the trial treatments might affect a wider segment of the population,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law will pave the way for higher participation from historically underrepresented communities.”

Under the new law, the Illinois Department of Public Health will work with the University of Illinois and other relevant organizations to conduct a study examining what demographics are currently underrepresented in clinical trials, identify barriers to participation and pinpoint ways to improve outreach to these communities. IDPH will report the findings of this study to the General Assembly by July 1, 2026, as well as establish a website with relevant information from the study.

“This law is one of many I have championed to improve cancer treatment and research,” said Morrison. “Cancer fatalities have fallen in the past 30 years and I am committed to continuing that downward trajectory.”

House Bill 5405 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – Continuing her efforts to make voting more accessible, State Senator Julie Morrison championed a newly signed law to help people in veterans’ homes, nursing homes and hospitals cast their ballots in a safe and secure way.

“Voting disparities among people with disabilities is a pressing issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Increasing opportunities for voters with disabilities to utilize vote by mail will have a positive impact on their participation.”

House Bill 4488, among other things, will allow election authorities to deliver vote by mail ballots to voters who live in veterans’ and nursing homes, hospitals and mental health facilities, in addition to the authorities' preexisting ability to administer supervised, on-site voting.

This vote by mail initiative is just one part of a bigger package of proposals to increase voting accessibility and make elections more transparent.

“This compilation of provisions will improve the efficiency and equity of our state’s elections,” said Morrison. “The rate at which Illinois voters show up to the polls has dropped in recent years and this measure provides paths to turn this stat around.”

House Bill 4488 was signed into law Monday and takes effect immediately.

HIGHWOOD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D- Lake Forest) is encouraging teens who currently or previously were under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to apply for the 2022 DCFS Scholarship Program.

“This scholarship program provides a great range of opportunity for our vulnerable youth,” said Morrison. “With the necessary tools being provided, students are able to achieve higher education without financial burden weighing them down.”

Former and current DCFS youth who are between the ages of 16 and 21 are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a personal statement along with three letters of recommendation from non-relatives. The selection committee also requests that applicants submit their scholastic record, community involvement and extracurricular activities for further evaluation. Applications will be accepted until March 31.

The DCFS Scholarship Program covers up to five consecutive years of tuition and provides academic fee waivers for its DCFS scholarship recipients. The program includes other benefits such as a monthly grant to aid in additional expenses and a medical card.

“This scholarship program is supportive and accommodating. I strongly advise eligible students to apply and allow opportunity to present itself,” said Morrison.  

Applications are available at any DCFS regional office and on the DCFS website, www2.illinois.gov/dcfs.

Students or caregivers may call the DCFS Office of Education and Transition Services at 217-557-2689 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions about the application process or for more information.