SPRINGFIELD – Today, the governor signed a set of new laws sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Deerfield) that will improve the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“DCFS is the last line of defense for abused and neglected children,” Morrison said. “We should be able to expect nothing but the best from this critically important agency.”

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) will enable county boards to remove appointed officials who violate the public trust.

“Everyone who serves the public should be held to the highest ethical standards,” Morrison said. “It shouldn’t matter if you are elected, appointed or hired. If you violate the public trust, there should be a way to remove you from your position.”

Morrison introduced the law at the request of Lake County Board. It allows the boards of the collar counties to remove appointed officials with a two-thirds majority vote. To initiate the process, the county board or county executive must find that the appointed official violated the county’s code of conduct, and the county board must hold a hearing.

Today the governor signed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), that makes it much easier for everyone to recycle computers, cell phones and other electronic devices.

"This new law is a big step in the right direction for recycling efforts in Illinois," Morrison said. "Recycling is one of simplest and easiest ways that we can help improve our environment. We should always strive to make it easier for people to recycle."

The law requires the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to publish the mailing addresses of sites devoted to collecting recyclable electronic devices, so that people will be able to conveniently find their nearest recycler.

“Boats can weigh thousands of pounds and go 30, 40, 50 miles per hour or more. We require people who drive cars to get licenses. It only makes sense to ask people who operate powerful boats to have some safety training.” - Senator Julie Morrison

SPRINGFIELD – A series of new laws designed to make Illinois’ rivers and lakes safer for everyone was signed by the governor today. The most important part of the water-safety package is a plan to require boat operators to obtain safety certificates, which will function much like driver’s licenses.

“Boats can weigh thousands of pounds and go 30, 40, 50 miles per hour or more,” said State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), who sponsored the law. “We require people who drive cars to get licenses. It only makes sense to ask people who operate powerful boats to have some safety training.”

The new law, originally Senate Bill 3433, will phase in safety certificates over time by exempting anyone born before 1990. It also exempts commercial fisherman, who already have to obtain specialized licenses. Renters will not need certificates, but they will have to take a brief safety course from the rental agency before they can take their boats out. The law only applies to boats with more than 10 horsepower motors.