SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law to require insurance companies to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer.

“Taking preventative measures will save lives and is more cost effective than treatment,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The most efficient way to tackle the deadly effects of cancer is early diagnosis.”

Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senate Bill 2697 will expand that coverage to include prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the deadly disease. Additionally, insurance companies will be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.

“Susan G. Komen believes individuals should have access to all the information needed to make informed decisions about their health care,” said State Policy and Advocacy Manager at Susan G. Komen Alimyon M. Allen. “SB 2697 ensures patients have access to comprehensive genetic testing to better understand their lifetime risk of cancer as well as coverage for recommended screenings based on the results of the testing.”

Senate Bill 2697 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison championed a newly signed law to curb substance use disorders.

“By removing prior authorization requirements and dosage limitation for treatment, we are ensuring as many people are covered as possible” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law marks Illinois as a leader in drug rehabilitation.”

Recent studies have shown that most people who could benefit from medications for substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. In 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in the state – more than twice the number of fatal vehicle accidents and homicides.

Senate Bill 3741 will improve these statistics by increasing coverage of and access to treatment by prohibiting insurance from requiring prior authorization for the treatment of substance use disorders.

"Removing obstacles to treatment can get people on the road to recovery sooner," said Morrison, “Making substance use disorder treatment accessible is imperative to improving quality of life and restoring hope.”

Senate Bill 3741 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – Like thousands of teenagers across the country, Noel Demetrio was her happiest when performing cheer routines with her teammates. That happiness, however, quickly turned tragic when she was lifted into the air during a halftime performance, only to fall and face serious injury that led to immediate hospitalization.

After a year of physical and emotional struggles, then-15-year-old Demetrio recovered and was able to cheer again. Yet, she acknowledged that many people across the state and nation aren’t that lucky – leading her to work with State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to ensure cheerleaders of all levels learn proper safety standards.

“I am thankful to Senator Morrison for believing in me. My hope was that something could be done throughout our state to protect cheerleaders. In fact, I felt I had an obligation to help greatly reduce serious injury in the sport of cheer,” said Demetrio. “I have loved taking part in the legislative process. With Senator Morrison’s strong advocacy, as well as Representative Bob Morgan leading the way in the House, my hope has been realized. I am grateful that the safety standards that have now been enacted into law will greatly reduce serious injury in the sport I love.” 

Morrison was enamored with Demetrio’s drive to turn her experience into change to minimize the risk for other cheerleaders and make the sport safer. She worked with the young Lake Forest athlete to pass a newly signed law to require the Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association to adopt the Spirit Rules Book – which sets standards and regulations to ensure the safe practice and competition of cheer teams.

“It takes a lot of care, compassion and resilience to turn a tragedy into change,” said Morrison. “I am proud of Noel’s steadfast advocacy to make a difference by protecting future generations of cheerleaders.”

In 2022, 18,007 cheerleading injuries led to emergency room visits across the country. Together, Morrison and Demetrio’s efforts to enhance precautions and knowledge will lead to fewer injuries.

“Cheerleading — while a sport full of enthusiasm and spirit – can quickly take a turn, as Noel learned firsthand,” said Morrison. “I am proud of our joint effort to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of cheer and spirit leaders.”

Senate Bill 2861 was signed into law last week and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led the effort on the passage of a new law to expand property tax relief by allowing more veterans to qualify for the Disabled Veterans’ Homestead Exemption.

“This law is one way of honoring the sacrifices veterans and their families have made,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. “I will continue to champion the needs of this group of brave individuals.”

Under the new law, disabled veterans of World War II can receive a 100% reduction in their home’s assessed value – leading to a $0 property tax bill. Additionally, it will allow disabled veterans who receive disability compensation at 70% or more, and the surviving spouses of veterans whose deaths were service-connected, to qualify for the exemption of the first $250,000 of their home’s assessed value.

"Veterans disabled in the line of duty have already given so much to our country," said Andrew Tangen, president of the Illinois Association of County Veterans Assistance Commissions. "Receiving the benefits delivered through this legislation in a uniform way across the state is an important step for the legislature to make to recognize our veteran community for all they have sacrificed."  

House Bill 612 was signed into law Monday and takes effect immediately.