SPRINGFIELD — With the rise in digital communication among children, threats from online predators have become more frequent and sophisticated. To help law enforcement respond faster and more effectively, State Senator Julie Morrison’s new law expands the authority of Illinois State Police (ISP) to investigate and stop online child exploitation.

“Law enforcement should have every tool available to track down those who try to harm children,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This new law ensures Illinois State Police can work seamlessly with other agencies to pursue online predators, no matter where they’re located.”

The new law grants ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. It will usher in improved response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. The measure is modeled off of Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

SPRINGFIELD — To better protect children during their daily commutes to school, State Senator Julie Morrison passed a new law requiring seat belts in all newly purchased school buses beginning in 2031 — a move that aligns Illinois with national safety trends and growing efforts to keep students safe on the road.

“Many bus manufacturers are already moving toward including seat belts as a standard feature,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law makes sure Illinois is keeping pace with national safety recommendations and placing students’ well-being at the center of our decisions.”

Under the new law, all school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031 and registered in Illinois will be required to have three-point seat belts on all seats. Currently, drivers and passengers ages 8 and older are required to wear seat belts in passenger vehicles, but there is no requirement for using safety belts on buses.

SPRINGFIELD — With increasing threats to public health emerging from the intersection of human, animal and environmental factors, a new law spearheaded by State Senator Julie Morrison will create the One Health Commission — a unique collaboration among Illinois experts to improve communication and coordination across fields.

“This law addresses a gap in how our state responds to complex health threats,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “By bringing experts together through the One Health Commission, Illinois will be better equipped to plan for and respond to outbreaks before they become widespread emergencies.”

The new law establishes the One Health Commission within the Illinois Department of Public Health that will promote collaboration among physicians, veterinarians and other scientific professionals. The commission will work closely with state agencies to recommend best practices to promote interdisciplinary communication, establish methods for the response to and recovery from disease outbreaks in animals and humans and develop ways to monitor emerging health threats, among other responsibilities. A report of recommendations will be submitted to the governor and General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2028.

SPRINGFIELD — Despite dedicating their time and safety to serve our country, over 11% of veterans face food insecurity in the U.S. — an issue State Senator Julie Morrison is addressing through a new law that will help more Illinois military families access food benefits.

“Service to our country should be met with not just words, but with action and real support,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This law takes a step toward ensuring veterans and military families do not have to choose between their paying bills or putting food on the table.”

The new law raises the income level at which households with a veteran or member of the Armed Forces are eligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).