Morrison: Drivers can now disclose medical condition that impedes communication

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers with autism or other communication disabilities can now have better experiences during routine traffic stops, thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison.

“A routine traffic stop sparks anxiety for anyone – now imagine you are a driver who has autism or another medical condition that makes processing social cues and responding to commands difficult,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “That can quickly lead to a stressful situation for both the driver and the police officer. It’s why it was so pertinent we ensured people can effectively communicate their medical conditions.”

Drivers now have the ability to easily disclose a medical condition or disability that could impede effective communication with a police officer. People can visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website to access a form to disclose their health condition. The information will then be printed on the person’s vehicle registration associated with their license plate and be put in the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

The form – which will improve interactions with law enforcement to prevent the potential for unnecessary or unintentional escalation – comes after Morrison successfully passed House Bill 4825 last year.

“If a police officer pulls someone over and that person isn’t making eye contact or engaging in conversation, the officer may think the driver is being defiant,” said Morrison. “The reality, however, is that not every person communicates in the same manner. By designating a condition that impairs speech on one’s registration, a traffic stop will be a less stressful situation for all involved.”

Morrison worked closely with a former local high school student – who is now in college – whose twin brother is on the autism spectrum and was worried what would happen if he was pulled over and avoided eye contact. Together, they successfully put forth the legislation to enhance inclusivity by ensuring certain behaviors – such as avoiding eye contact – aren’t misinterpreted by police.  

“People with autism have to deal with the ‘everybody’ stress of a traffic stop but layered in with the need to actively process the hum of the road, the flashing of the lights, the whine of a siren as well as directions from the close-talking stranger who just caught them making a mistake,” said Henry Lytle, who worked closely with Morrison on the legislation. “House Bill 4825 makes traffic stops safer for my brother and other drivers with communication challenges.”

For more information on the certification for impaired communication with a peace officer disclosure, people can call the Illinois Secretary of State’s office at 1-800-252-8980.

Morrison fights against property tax increases

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison led a measure Wednesday to streamline the property tax appeals process by ensuring taxpayers are given at least 30 business days to appeal their bill.

“High, burdensome property taxes are one of the top issues I hear about from local residents,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “North suburban homeowners, in particular, have been blindsided by the biggest property tax increase in 30 years. We need to take action to stand up for our Cook County homeowners and make the appeals process more transparent and consistent.”

Senate Bill 1988 requires the Cook County Assessor to continue accepting appeals from a taxpayer for at least 30 business days after the date the increased property assessment was mailed or published on the assessor’s website.

The Cook County Assessor’s filing deadlines for taxpayer complaints can change from year to year and, in practice, from township to township. While the assessor’s office this year established a deadline of 30 calendar days for filing complaints, the available business days for filing were different in each township. In one township this year, the filing period was open from July 1 to Aug. 2—encompassing one holiday and 10 weekends, leaving only 19 business days available for filing. In another township, the filing period was open from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1—encompassing eight holidays and leaving 22 business days available for filing.

The Morrison-backed measure would establish uniform filing periods to ensure homeowners have adequate time to address their complaints to the assessor. The measure comes just weeks after millions of homeowners in Cook County saw their bill increase by 15.7%.

“When we hear concerns from taxpayers, it is our jobs as legislators to take that concern and turn it into tangible action,” said Morrison. “While I am pleased we took a stand for Cook County taxpayers, it is also clear that much more is needed to bring down the property tax burden.”

Senate Bill 1988 passed both chambers of the General Assembly and heads to the governor for final consideration.

Senator Morrison instrumental in economic development, job creation brought forth by new Glenview manufacturing facility

GLENVIEW – Thanks to State Senator Julie Morrison’s steadfast advocacy to prioritize job creation and economic development, UPSIDE Foods – a nationwide business – is coming to Glenview.

“I enthusiastically welcome this new facility, which is a significant investment to our community. It underscores our commitment to technology, innovation and business development,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “UPSIDE Foods’ decision to open a facility in Glenview highlights the area’s strategic location for its pro-innovation business environment and skilled workforce.”

The 175,000 square foot facility, based in Glenview, will start by producing ground cultivated chicken products, with plans to expand to other species and whole-textured formats in the future. Upon its opening, 75 jobs will be created across warehousing, logistics, bioprocessing, food production, and other commercial functions.

Morrison was instrumental in bringing UPSIDE Foods to Glenview alongside Governor JB Pritzker. The company said it was drawn by the region's esteemed legacy in meat production, a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, and strategic geographical advantages.

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Morrison to co-host series of tax appeals workshops

DEERFIELD – Residents will be able to learn more about the property tax appeal process at a series of upcoming workshops presented by West Deerfield Township Assessor Andrew Richter in cooperation with State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Bob Morgan.

“High property taxes are one of the top issues I hear about from constituents,” 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 may want to consider appealing their property tax assessment to potentially lessen their tax burden.”

The workshops presented by West Deerfield Township Assessor Andrew Richter will be held at:

• Deerfield Public Library
  • Saturday, September 9 at 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 12 at 1 p.m.
  • Monday, September 18 at 7 p.m.
• Highland Park Police Station
  • Monday, September 11 at 6 p.m.
• Dickinson Hall – Lake Forest
  • Tuesday, September 19 at 2 p.m.

Registration is not required. For further information please contact the township assessor's office at 847-945-3020 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..