New law protects rights of living organ donors

• Health
• Organ Donation
• HB 2847
• SB 68

SPRINGFIELD – Living organ donors in Illinois would have increased protections under the law under a proposal passed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) that was signed into law today by Gov. Pritzker.

“Across Illinois, thousands of residents are awaiting a kidney transplant. Sadly, less than a quarter of patients who were on the organ donation waiting list last year actually received an organ transplant,” Morrison said. “We must do more to incentivize individuals willing to give so much of themselves for the health of another.”

Morrison’s new law – contained in House Bill 2847 – would prohibit insurance companies from refusing to insure or limiting the kind of coverage available needed for care solely because an individual was a living organ donor.

The law also includes protections in the workplace, making it unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for requesting a leave of absence to donate an organ. Lastly, the bill creates an organ and tissue donor registry under the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

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Morrison concerned with high-paid CEO while workers with disabilities lose employment

• Human Services
• Disability Rights
• Goodwill

SPRINGFIELD – News that Land of Lincoln Goodwill in Springfield is laying off dozens of workers with disabilities without a valid explanation is drawing concern from State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“It is disheartening that Goodwill would use false excuses to terminate the employment of reliable, hardworking staff with disabilities in Illinois,” Morrison said.

Morrison – who is chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus – passed a series of measures this year aimed at increasing state employment of individuals with disabilities, all aimed at breaking down the barriers to employment.

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Coming Up: Microplastics Forum

• Events
• Environment,
• Highland Park

Join State Senator Julie Morrison and the Illinois Environmental Council for a forum on the impact of microplastics. Expert speakers from the Shedd Aquarium, Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Prairie Research Institute will be on hand.

The event is being held on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 6:30p until 8:00p at the Highland Park Library (494 Laurel Avenue).

RSVP by clicking here: ilenviro.org/Morrison

Questions?

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

Click on the flyer for more information

Morrison law to require better preparation to treat students with epilepsy

• Education
• Public Health
• HB 1475
• Child Safety

SPRINGFIELD – Students with epilepsy will be better protected at school under a new law signed today by Gov. JB Pritzker and sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

“Nationwide, 470,000 children are affected by epilepsy. As children spend a large part of their day in the classroom, it is imperative schools are prepared to handle the unique set of health care needs of these students,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s new law – contained in House Bill 1475 – creates the Seizure Smart School Act, which would require the development of a plan for students with epilepsy that includes training for employees and care aides on how to handle students with the disorder.

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