SPRINGFIELD – Current Illinois law allows an individual with an intellectual disability, who has been the victim of certain crimes involving physical or sexual assault, to designate someone to testify in court on their behalf. Known as a hearsay exception, the law is vague and excludes many vulnerable victims.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) passed a proposal out of the Senate today that would expand court protections for individuals with intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairments and development disabilities by more thoroughly laying out who qualifies for a hearsay exception.

“Victims of physical or sexual assaults often have a very difficult time taking the witness stand and confronting an accuser,” Morrison said. “Expanding the ability of a victim with a disability to have a trusted caregiver or other individual testify on their behalf ensures victims are able to seek justice under the law.”

Package would empower voters, local governments

LAKE COUNTY, IL – Local, county and state government officials joined together this morning in Libertyville in support of efforts by State Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) to allow township government consolidation.

“Responsible township consolidation will make local government more efficient and put money back in taxpayers’ pockets,” said Sen. Bush. “I’m proud to put this long-overdue power in the hands of Illinois citizens.”

Bush’s proposal, contained in Senate Bill 388, would allow townships to merge or dissolve, empowering local voters to have the final say in the process. Current Illinois law doesn’t provide a method for township governments to merge or consolidate.

Join Senator Morrison and Representative Nekritz for a Town Hall Meeting at the Northbrook Public Library on Monday, April 25.

Questions?

Contact Senator Morrison office at 847-945-5200

Click on the flyer for more information

SPRINGFIELD – Efforts to consolidate emergency dispatch services in Illinois led to the passage of a state law last year requiring dispatch agencies serve at least 25,000 residents. The new law was meant to ensure all communities have access to responsive emergency services while providing efficiencies for taxpayers.

For the Village of Deerfield, which already operated a consolidated emergency dispatch service with neighboring Bannockburn and Riverwoods before the state law, the minimum population requirement would require additional consolidation and cost to the community.

State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) passed a proposal out of a Senate committee this week that would allow the Village of Deerfield more time to comply with the new state law.