"Hope Card” gives proof of an order of protection under new law by Morrison

SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of domestic violence will now have an easier and more convenient way to prove they’re under an order of protection under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) signed Friday.

“We must do all we can to protect survivors of domestic violence and provide them with the peace of mind that they are safe,” Morrison said. “Part of helping them should be making that protection convenient and easily documented.”

Under the new law, survivors of domestic violence who have an order of protection would be granted a “Hope Card” to carry as official documentation of the order. The driver’s license-sized, laminated card could be shown to people who may need to be aware of the order in an easier and more convenient way than traditional paper copies. 

The new law requires the Illinois Supreme Court to implement the Hope Card program for any person under a preliminary order of protection. The card will contain a photograph, case number, active dates of the order of protection and other pertinent information. Survivors will be able to get multiple copies to pass out to coworkers, teachers and administrators at a child’s school, or anyone else who might need to be aware of the order of protection.

“The Hope Card will equip survivors with a much easier way to communicate their situation with others and help them feel safer,” Morrison said.

House Bill 3485 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Morrison’s proposal to increase Scott’s Law penalties signed

SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this year, three Illinois officers were struck by cars within 24 hours after drivers chose to ignore the “Move Over” law. To help combat the rising number of officer injuries and deaths by vehicle, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) led a new law to enhance Scott’s Law penalties.

“This law should be common sense, yet every day dozens of people are breaking it and putting the lives of officers at risk,” Morrison said. “This has to change. Writing a check for a fine doesn’t seem to be enough for some people, so we’re going to do all we can to make sure the purpose of this law is heard loud and clear – and that’s by requiring people to give up their free time to do community service work.”

Scott’s Law – or the “Move Over” law – requires drivers to slow down their cars, change lanes if possible and proceed with caution when they are approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights on. During a 19-day period earlier this year, the Illinois State Police issued 1,340 tickets to people breaking Scott’s Law.

Under current statute, a person who violates Scott’s Law will be fined between $250 to $10,000 for their first offense, and between $750 and $10,000 for their second. The amount is determined by a judge.

Under the new law, a judge may also issue the violator a term of community service work on top of the fine.

“Far too many officers have been recklessly injured or killed simply for doing their jobs,” Morrison said. “We must ensure no other family has to endure the pain of a call that says their loved one was run down while protecting their community.”

Senate Bill 1913 takes effect Thursday.

Morrison law makes corporations more transparent during pandemic

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.

“While a lot of our favorite activities were halted during the pandemic – much of our daily work and meetings weren’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”

The law amends the Business Corporation Act to allow boards of directors of corporations to host shareholder meetings through virtual communication. If a corporation chooses to use these means, they must implement measures to allow shareholders to view, participate and vote.

The legislation comes after some Illinois corporations raised safety concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They argue their work can be done just as effectively via remote communication. Other states, including New York, Delaware and New Jersey, have already adopted laws allowing remote shareholder meetings.

“This law simply allows those businesses and shareholders to do what most of us have been doing for nearly a year: meet virtually,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 116 was signed Friday and takes immediate effect.

Morrison law provides guidance on legal help for youth in DCFS’ care

SPRINGFIELD – When a child is in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, they often don’t know where to turn for legal help – despite having court-appointed assistance. However, under a law signed Friday that was championed by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), they will finally have a clearer understanding of their options.

“Our state’s most vulnerable population needs to know they have people who are there to help them every step of the way,” Morrison said. “The last thing foster families and children need during an already high-stress situation is to worry about how to handle their legal proceedings.”

Under the newly signed law, children in the care of DCFS, foster parents, caregivers or caseworkers can request the contact information of the child’s court-appointed guardian ad litem.

A guardian ad litem – or GAL – represents youth in care during court proceedings stemming from allegations a child was abused or neglected. However, of the 18,000 youth in care in Illinois, it is believed many don’t know how to contact their GAL or legal help regarding life-determining decisions.

“GALs play an important role in helping decide if a child should be removed from their family, if there have been sufficient efforts made to reunify a family, and whether parental rights should be terminated,” Morrison said. “Yet so many children and their caregivers don’t know where to turn for this kind of help. Today’s signing will give more of our vulnerable youth a better opportunity for a bright, safe future.”

Senate Bill 755 was signed Friday and takes immediate effect.