* WTTW…

Transgender Illinois residents may soon have a path to change birth certificates that were issued in other states.

That’s if Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs a bill recently passed by state lawmakers.

The bill allows Illinois residents to get a judicial order to alter the name and sex on birth certificates and other documentation issued in another state.

Currently in Illinois, the process no longer requires certification from a health professional, making it easier to request this change.

* WAND…

A plan heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk could require school districts to develop cardiac emergency response plans.

Sponsors and advocates told WAND News that Illinois saw 109 cardiac events involving students under 18 during 2022 alone.

The legislation requires school districts to work with local paramedics to create an evidence-based plan to use AEDs in case of a cardiac event. […]

House Bill 5394 passed unanimously out of the House and Senate.

* Journal Gazette…

A bill that would allow the Shelby County Rescue Squad to remain in operation is on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk after passing the state legislature late last month.

The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, explicitly gives the Shelby County Board permission to oversee and operate a volunteer rescue squad that delivers first responder services like locating drowning victims and extricating people from crashed vehicles. […]

Under current law, rescue squads must be created via referendum and operate as their own taxing district — unless a specific exception is made.

Last year, state lawmakers passed and Pritzker signed an essentially-identical bill that allowed for Sangamon County to continue operating its rescue squad under the county’s umbrella. […]

“I hope this legislation is able to provide some peace of mind for the people of the county, knowing that the brave members of the squad can stay on the job,” McClure said.

* Effingham Radio…

Opponents of a measure on Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk are concerned poll watchers won’t be able to verify vote-by-mail procedures conducted in nursing homes where voters may be physically and mentally incapacitated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, under emergency order, nursing home voters were legally able to cast ballots through vote-by-mail procedures. Now, State Representative Maurice West, the bill’s sponsor, wants to codify the temporary procedures in statute.

In Illinois, opponents fear the proposed law will allow incapacitated voters to be coerced into turning in incomplete ballots by ballot harvesters. State Representative Patrick Windhorst said before, those voters only cast ballots on the premises.

Proponents argue the change will expand voter rights and provide convenience to older voters. Along with codifying vote-by-mail procedures in Illinois nursing homes, the proposed law would remove all caps on transfers from political party committees to candidates during primary elections. Previously, caps were only absent in general elections.

* WGEM…

Black women in Illinois are three times as likely to suffer from a pregnancy-related medical condition compared to white women according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). It’s why Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, both Democrats, worked with state lawmakers to pass a bill aimed at improving birth equity and outcomes across the state. […]

The bill would require private insurance companies to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives. This includes home births, home visits and support during labor.

Insurers would also be required to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids. […]

Illinois’ fiscal year 2025 state budget includes $4 million for IDPH to award grants to community-based providers. It also has $6 million earmarked for the Illinois Department of Human Services to spend on several programs, including a $1 million diaper distribution pilot program.