* Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias…

Several initiatives spearheaded by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias aimed at enhancing road safety, bolstering library security and modernizing the office to boost efficiency were approved by state lawmakers. […]

House Bill 1226 calls for enhanced safeguards to bolster road safety while increasing the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87.

The bill would establish new procedures aimed at preventing unsafe motorists – regardless of age – from driving. If a motorist’s driving skills begin to significantly decline or cognitive or medical issues prevent safe driving, immediate relatives could request that the Secretary of State’s office review a submitted written report, which could require the driver to undergo a driving test or submit a medical report from their physician.

Illinois is currently one of only five states that do not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability. In addition, Illinois is the only state in the nation that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. […]

House Bill 1576 would modernize the way the Illinois Court of Claims functions and expedite the business of the court, which is reliant on paper filings and in-person sessions that can cause delays.

The measure enables the court to hold sessions remotely and allows the public to file claims, provide evidence or testimony, and pay fees electronically. [..]

House Bill 2983 is a piece of multi-pronged legislation that would add protections to prevent Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) exam cheating, allow the office to administer tests online and enhance bicycle safety.

The measure criminalizes any attempt to have someone else provide answers to an individual taking a CDL exam, including attempts to use a hidden microphone or cell phone.

* Advantage News…

Planned Parenthood Illinois Action is celebrating the passage of a new law that broadens access to abortion medications on public college campuses across Illinois.

House Bill 3709 will require public colleges with health services and pharmacies to provide abortion medications starting in the 2025–2026 school year. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on social media said he’d sign HB 3709 and shared a video of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign student Emma Darbo.

“It would eliminate a big barrier for students in terms of accessibility, affordability and other unique obstacles that students are facing, whether it be cost, insurance coverage, or transportation,” said Darbo of the Illinois Planned Parenthood Generation Action student chapter.

The bill followed a UIUC student referendum in spring 2024 that showed strong campus support for expanding reproductive health access, including at the McKinley Health Center. Student leaders Darbro and Grace Hosey later testified before legislative committees to push the bill forward.

* WIFR…

Several libraries in Illinois received violent threats in recent years according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

That led lawmakers to pass a bill to help libraries increase safety measures. All it needs now is Governor JB Pritzker’s signature. […]

[SB 1550] will allow the Secretary of State’s Office to issue security grants for libraries throughout the state, ensuring their ability to provide a safe environment for patrons, employees and the community.

“Smaller libraries that do not have the budget because of property taxes but do have a population that is much larger than ours will really benefit from a grant to get security cameras and silent alarms,” [Byron Public Library Director Jason Shirley] said.

* Brownfield Ag News…

The president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association says lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved changes to the state’s pesticide applicator licensing process.

Kevin Johnson says the bill allowing recertification through continuing education instead of a required test every three years is headed to the Governor’s desk.

“What we would like to see is an option like what most states have around us.” He says, “Pass that test the first time, but then take continuous education classes to keep up your license.” […]

Johnson says if signed into law, the measure goes into effect January 1st, but it’ll likely take up to a year to fully institute the changes. He says the current recertification test every three years would remain an option for applicators.

* WTVO…

The Illinois Senate passed [House Bill 3140] that would ensure long-term veterinary care for retired K9s.

Illinois State Police are expected to create the Police K9 Care Fund, which would award grants to handlers.

The grants would provide up to $1,500 in veterinary care reimbursements. […]

The bill now heads to Governor Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.

* Rep. Gregg Johnson…

A new measure led by state Rep. Gregg Johnson, D-Rock Island, will strengthen public safety by stepping up enforcement of anti-human trafficking protections at hotels.

“Human trafficking is an atrocious crime and a terrible reality for far too many communities here in Illinois,” Johnson said. “We have a responsibility as legislators—and human beings—to do everything in our power to fight human trafficking. This legislation will help prevent and protect the most vulnerable among us, including children, before they become victims.”

Continuing his record of fighting for public safety, Johnson led the House effort to pass Senate Bill 1422. This legislation gives law enforcement agencies the authority to monitor and enforce compliance with the Lodging Services Human Trafficking Recognition Training Act, which requires hotel and lodging service employees to be trained to identify the signs of human trafficking. Employers repeatedly violating this act after notification can face fines.

Senate Bill 1422 had unanimous support in the House and Senate, and now heads to the governor’s desk for signature. It has the support of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association.

* Rep. Thaddeus Jones…

State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, passed Senate Bill 1418 out of the House. [The] legislation expands coverage for lifesaving screenings for Peripheral Artery Disease, a condition impacting 21 million Americans annually and disproportionately Black and Hispanic populations. […]

The Jones-backed Senate Bill 1418 would require new and renewing health coverage plans to include annual Peripheral Artery Disease screenings for at-risk individuals.

“The Illinois chapter of the American College of Cardiology wishes to thank Chairman Jones for his leadership and advocacy of this vital legislation,” said Dr. Benjamin Freed, Governor of the Illinois ACC Chapter. […]

Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) occurs when there is a severe blockage in the blood vessels flowing to and from the arms and legs. This is most commonly caused by a build up of plaque along the inside of the arteries. Typical P.A.D. cases lead to chronic numbness, developing sores, or muscle atrophy. In severe cases, this decreased blood flow can cause tissue death, leading to the amputation of the limbs. These P.A.D.-related amputations account for 85% of all amputation cases yearly. With earlier, covered screening, these amputations can be prevented.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has P.A.D. Additionally, African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with P.A.D. as their white counterparts.

The bill now heads to the governor for final consideration.

* WCIA…

A bill that passed out of the capitol last month would stop fitness centers from deceptive lifetime memberships.

It would require owners to be transparent about any changes in prices or benefits. […]

“I understand it’s easier to bring in revenue as a gym owner if you have them sign a longer contract, but in the grand scheme of things … you’re going to have that moment where you’ve got to do things you don’t want to do if you have them sign a contract,” said Jeremy Ferry, owner of Pure Performance Fitness Center.

The bill has some exceptions, including if the gym is sold to new management or if a customer agrees to revisit the contract within writing.