News

DEERFIELD — A new law lead by State Senator Julie Morrison will provide insured drivers a way to resolve disputes with their insurers about repair costs or total loss valuations without involving the court system.

“Going through the courts to get an appraisal on a damaged vehicle is burdensome for both the policyholder and insurance company,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “The right to invoke an appraisal cuts down on administrative barriers and ensures all parties are able to navigate the process without going to court.”

The right to an appraisal, already included in some auto insurance policies, allows the insured driver and their insurer to settle disputes regarding the value of a vehicle and the cost of repairs.

The new law requires all automobile insurance policies in Illinois that include physical damage coverage to also include a right to an appraisal.

House Bill 4160 was signed into law Friday and takes effect July 1, 2027.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison championed a new law strengthening prevention requirements against plastic pellet runoff to secure clean and healthy waterways for Illinois.

“Industrial plastic runoff continues to pollute our waterways ─ harming aquatic life, water quality and beach health across the Great Lakes,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest).  “Providing regulations that secure a thriving environment, free from pollution, is imperative.”

To preserve the environment and ensure thriving, healthy waterways for Illinois, the law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement stormwater pollution prevention requirements regarding plastic pellet runoff from industrial facilities regulated under federal EPA standards.

Plastic pellets are a major source of microplastics, which have been discovered in bodies of water and beaches across the globe and have showed up in the digestive tracts of aquatic animals and birds, potentially affecting human health more broadly.

According to a study conducted by the Rochester Institute of Technology, roughly 10 million pounds of plastic pollution enter Lake Michigan alone each year ─ equivalent to 100 Olympic-sized pools full of plastic bottles.

“I am excited for this new law to make a positive impact on the health of our waterways – especially from continued contributors like industrial facilities,” said Morrison.

House Bill 4418 was signed into law Friday and takes effect on Jan. 1.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison is inviting residents to attend a volunteer fair on Saturday, June 20.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Suburban YMCA, located at 2705 Techny Rd. in Northbrook. It is free and open to the public.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the Senate passed a measure securing the future of the Chicago Bears in Illinois:

“As a lifelong Bears fan, I see the importance of sporting events that bring economic benefits to our communities.