Senator Morrison passes assault weapons ban, six months after Highland Park mass shooting

SPRINGFIELD – Just six months ago, tragedy struck the Highland Park community when a gunman opened fire on the community 4^th of July parade, killing seven and injuring dozens more. In the days and months since, State Senator Julie Morrison has been on the front lines fighting tirelessly for a statewide assault weapons ban – which successfully passed Monday.

“We can no longer allow mass shootings to be part of our norm,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest), who represents Highland Park. “This is a long overdue step toward keeping communities safer.”

In response to the Highland Park shooting and other mass shootings across the nation, Morrison was part of ongoing conversations to pass House Bill House Bill 5471. House Bill 5471 bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from being sold in Illinois.

The 4^th of July shooting punctuated a six-week period in which mass shooters using semi-automatic weapons killed more than 40 people in Buffalo, Uvalde, Texas, Tulsa and Highland Park combined. 

“Military-style weapons, designed for war and not for sport, have no use on our streets and in our neighborhoods,” said Morrison. “At a time of continued inaction in Washington, it is imperative we step up as a state to regulate assault weapons before more lives are lost.”

Studies show that approximately one-third of public mass shooting events include the use of an assault weapon, and nearly 40% involve a high-capacity magazine. When an assault weapon and/or a high-capacity magazine is used in a public mass shooting, nearly 14 times as many people are injured, and twice as many people are killed. Not only are there more injuries when assault weapons are used, but the types of injuries are far worse.

Senator Morrison first led an assault weapons ban bill in 2017, but it was not brought up for a final vote. In the years since, Morrison successfully passed the state’s red flag law, allowing family members, household members and law enforcement to obtain a civil order to temporarily remove firearms from people who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others. 

“When it comes to assault weapons, we cannot continue to act as though we don’t have a serious problem with gun violence in this country,” Morrison said. “The ease with which firearms and attachments that cause mass carnage are available is unacceptable and it is time we act.”

House Bill 5471 passed the Senate Monday. It now heads to the House for final consideration.  

Morrison works with law enforcement to pass measure clarifying SAFE-T Act

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.

Morrison extends thanks to first responders in Illinois

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.

Morrison, Fine to host tax workshop in Glenview

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.