Group to study alternatives to incarceration

SPRINGFIELD – A newly formed Springfield commission will soon meet for the first time to begin studying potential alternatives to incarceration for individuals struggling with mental illness, substance abuse disorders and intellectual disabilities. State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) recently was named as a member of the nine-person commission.

“For too long, we have sidestepped some critical public health issues and how they relate to our criminal justice system,” Morrison said. “I am excited to begin working with my colleagues on crafting long-term, responsible solutions that acknowledge the challenges facing our prisons and courts.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law that prohibits minors from possessing e-cigarettes and other tobacco-free nicotine products was signed on Friday by the governor. State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) introduced the proposal last year in hopes of updating Illinois law to protect children from the dangers of this increasingly popular product. 

“Current Illinois law prohibits the selling of these products to kids,” Morrison said. “It only makes sense that they should also be prohibited from being in their possession.”

In Illinois, it is already illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess cigarettes, cigars and all other forms of tobacco. The penalty for the first violation is a fine of $25 or 15 hours of community service, and the maximum penalty for repeated violations is a fine of $100 and 30 hours of community service.

Morrison's plan would impose the same penalties for the possession of e-cigarettes and other alternative nicotine products.

While e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they still pose potential health risks, especially for minors. Nicotine, an addictive chemical, can affect fetal brain development and can alter growth and function of the nervous system. The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes have not yet been thoroughly evaluated.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) released the following statement after hearing Governor Rauner’s State of the State address:

“As recent news events have alluded, the continuation of our budget impasse is having a devastating impact on our non-profit entities, affecting community services for adults with disabilities and home care for seniors. It is also making our business climate that much worse. I agree with the governor that some common sense reforms are needed in Illinois. However, solving this budget crisis once and for all must be our top priority.”

Morrison working to allow all cities and villages option to enact similar ordinance

SPRINGFIELD - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled today to uphold Highland Park’s ability to ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. By refusing to hear an appeal of a lower court decision upholding local gun ordinances, the court has essentially backed up cities such as Highland Park that have instituted assault weapon bans in their communities. 

“Today’s court decision empowers local residents to have a say in how their community confronts public safety issues such as assault weapon bans,” State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) said. “Unfortunately, Illinois municipalities that do not yet have these kinds of ordinances are still prohibited from making their own decisions on this issue. While I am pleased with the court’s ruling, I will continue to advocate for the ability of all Illinois municipalities to ban assault weapons if they and their residents see fit.”