Morrison measure to improve early diagnosis of fatal pediatric disease passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – also known as DMD – is a rare disorder, but severe if not caught early enough to be treated. State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure through the Senate to require all newborns to be screened for DMD.

“Although rare, DMD is a devastating disease –tragically taking young children from their parents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Early diagnoses of DMD will save precious lives and restore hope.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a genetic disorder caused by a change in the dystrophin gene affecting 1 in 3,500 boys each year worldwide. It’s 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.

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Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure through the Senate to help individuals with substance use disorders by requiring insurance companies to cover the medication needed to curb the addiction.

“People suffering from a substance use disorder deserve access medication that could save their life,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I am committed to removing barriers to treatment that insurance companies put in place.”

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 would 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.

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Morrison measure to increase the safety of cheer teams passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Student’s safety while participating in a sport is a concern for many parents. To ensure safe practices are being followed at schools across the state, State Senator Julie Morrison passed a measure to mitigate injury for cheerleaders.

“Sports provide students with vital life skills and a sense of belonging, but they can also present an increased risk of injury,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Improving enforcement and knowledge of cheer and spirit safety standards will help prevent future injuries.”

Senate Bill 2861 was brought to Morrison by a student in her district. She suffered a terrible accident while doing a cheer routine at a football game, leading her to bring legislation her State Senator. The bill prioritizes cheer safety and the adoption of uniform rules.

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Morrison measure to increase resources for gambling disorders passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – The prevalence of gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison passed legislation to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services for people who experience problem gambling.

“Like many drugs, gambling activates an addictive part of our brain,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “People who struggle with a gambling disorder deserve the same help and treatment as someone with a drug dependency.”

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