News

DEERFIELD — Following the Pritzker administration’s announcement outlining the transition of residents from Choate Developmental Center, State Senator Julie Morrison released the following statement:

“For far too long, the reports coming out of Choate have been heartbreaking and unacceptable. Every person with an intellectual or developmental disability deserves to live in an environment that is safe, respectful and centered on their individual needs. The decision to close the remaining I/DD beds at Choate is an important step toward protecting vulnerable Illinoisans and ensuring they receive the quality care they deserve.

SPRINGFIELD — A new law led by State Senator Julie Morrison will ensure schools can provide undesignated prescription glucagon to students with diabetes suffering from a hypoglycemic emergency.

“Diabetes requires lifelong, timely and attentive maintenance to ensure proper blood sugar levels,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Hypoglycemic emergencies can happen at any time – it is imperative that we equip school professionals with the resources and training needed to assist during a health emergency.”

HIGHLAND PARK – State Senator Julie Morrison recently held an event to bring residents together by making fleece blankets and donating goods to local veterans in need.

“I truly appreciate everyone who spent a Saturday during the holiday season volunteering at my office’s event,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It was especially great to connect with the next generation of volunteers and work together toward a great cause.”

Volunteers of all ages joined Morrison at the donation drive and blanket-making event, including families, police officers, honor students, scout troops, youth pageant queens, and fellow elected officials. Together, they collected dozens of new blankets, non-perishable food items, and new board games, puzzles, and playing cards to donate to Midwest Veterans Closet. The organization provides free clothing and food for veterans and service members in the community.

“Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to make our event even more meaningful,” said Morrison. “Completed blankets along with donated food and games were delivered to Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago where veterans and service members can shop free of charge.”

People who would like to learn more about Midwest Veterans Closet can visit www.midwestveteranscloset.org.

SPRINGFIELD — In today's world, children can access the internet through tablets, smartphones and various smart devices, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. State Senator Julie Morrison collaborated with the Illinois State Police to broaden their investigative powers to combat these digital crimes and better protect young people.

“Internet predators operate without regard to jurisdictional boundaries, and our law enforcement response should reflect that reality," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "This law eliminates obstacles that prevent state police from responding swiftly and decisively when children face online threats.”

House Bill 2586 will give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The law aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes will bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

In addition to expanding protections for children, the law includes several technical changes to update ISP’s procedures related to task force liability coverage, the security of criminal justice systems and the handling of commercial vehicle safety checks.

“Internet crimes against children task forces are critical for identifying and stopping the criminal exploitation of children,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Through our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the state, and at all levels, we’ll continue to identify child predators and bring them to justice.”

House Bill 2586 takes effect Jan. 1.