* The Chicago Tribune…

[A] new bill in the Illinois House would pave the way for [Chicago Board of Education] members to receive compensation, a change advocates say could broaden representation as it transitions to a fully elected body.

State law currently bars Illinois school boards from paying members. The bill would lift that restriction, allowing a more diverse slate of parents, educators and community members to lead Chicago Public Schools, according to state Rep. Marcus Evans, who is sponsoring the proposal. It also has implications across the state: Suburban school boards have long been elected nonpaying positions. […]

“It’s a very large, complicated district that requires a lot of time,” said Evans, a Chicago Democrat. “For $0, what type of person are you going to get on the board? Are you going to get working-class people? I think we all know the answer.” […]

It’s not the first time legislators have floated the idea of paying Illinois school boards. State Sen. Robert Martwick, a Chicago Democrat who helped craft the city’s elected school board model, has sponsored two nearly identical bills in the past three years. Those measures ultimately failed to advance.

Rep. Evans’ HB4518 was assigned to the House Executive Committee in February. Evans is the bill’s only sponsor and the House isn’t scheduled to return to session until March 18.

* WAND…

A new plan in Springfield could help local governments lower their default speed limit to enhance safety. Communities would be able to adopt lower speed limits through resolution or ordinance. […]

The Illinois Department of Transportation wants to give counties, townships and municipalities the ability to lower the default speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour without conducting speed studies that cost roughly $20,000. […]

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all bill,” said Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank). “For communities that do wish to lower their speed limit on the roads, they will find it is, in many cases, easier. For communities that do not wish to lower their speed limit, they will not be impacted by this bill.” […]

The Active Transportation Alliance said some of the most dangerous roadways are run by IDOT, and this bill would not impact them.

“Our ask is that we work to make this bill stronger by looking at a lower overall urban area speed limit in Illinois, which is where the vast majority of our 1,200 fatalities happen,” said Amy Rynell, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance.

SB3374 passed unanimously out of the Senate Executive Committee last week.

* 25News Now…

A bill in Springfield would change how fentanyl-related deaths are classified, shifting the terminology from “fentanyl overdose” to “fentanyl poisoning.” […]

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) [is a cosponsor of] SB3140, legislation that would amend the Illinois Coroner Code. If passed, the bill would modify the definition of a drug overdose to exclude deaths caused by fentanyl and instead classify them as fentanyl poisonings. The change would apply in any case where fentanyl is determined to be the cause of death or a contributing factor. […]

Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood said the bill is another example of state legislation created without input from coroners. […]

“With the use of the word, ”poisoning,” it almost implies intent, and we only use the word, “poisoning” when we talk about carbon monoxide, particularly if someone has taken their life in a car like in a garage or something like that. But we can’t imply intent when it comes to an intoxication, because we just don’t know that part of it,” Harwood continued.

* Capitol City Now…

Two Illinois senators Thursday discussed legislation meant to make life easier for Illinois women going through perimenopause and menopause.

“Under current Illinois law, health care professionals are required to complete one hour of implicit bias awareness training during license renewal,” said State Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “What my bill does is simple. It allows a course covering perimenopause and menopause to count toward the existing one-hour training requirement.”

State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (pictured, right) (D-Shorewood) is sponsoring a bill which would prohibit private insurance companies from requiring prior authorization or step therapy in treating menopause.

“I think we are kind of done,” Loughran Cappel said at the same news conference. “I think we are fed up with not getting the care we need; having insurance companies dictate to us, that stop service. We have a lot of work to do. Sometimes we know what we need, and I think our doctors know what we need right away.”

* More…

* WAND | IL plan could require data on PFAS in wastewater, biosolids: A bill moving in Springfield could establish forever chemicals sampling and reporting requirements for water control permits, sludges and biosolids. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency told the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee Thursday that PFAS have become widespread in air, water, soil and consumer products. Their proposal would require the state to only issue permits to water treatment facilities if they periodically sample for forever chemicals. It could also create new PFAS reporting requirements for biosolids.

* WSPY | Grundy Co. Board Committee Approves Resolution Supporting Proposed Illinois Grooming Bill: The Grundy County Legislative committee last week approved a resolution to support Illinois House Bill 1140 and Senate Bill 284, otherwise called Andrews Bill. […] Grundy County Board Chairman Drew Muffler said they been working on language for the resolution with the State’s Attorney’s Office.