Public Safety

Emphasizes education, teacher training as keys to ending sexual abuse of children

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins (D-16th) secured passage today of a measure designed to prevent child sexual abuse by educating elementary school students and training school personnel to respond to signs and reports of abuse. She partnered with former sexual abuse victim Erin Merryn, an Illinois native and Western Illinois University graduate who has advocated for similar laws in other states and in Congress. Glamour Magazine featured Erin as 2012 Woman of the Year for her efforts to help other children avoid or escape the kind of abuse she suffered as a young child.

Good behavior, staying drug-free could lead to expunged records for non-violent crimes

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Senate passed, by a bipartisan vote of 52-1, State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13th)’s plan to allow first-time, non-violent offenders to have their records expunged immediately upon the successful completion of a two-year diversion program similar to probation. The Offender Initiative Program would apply to arrestees convicted or indicted on charges of burglary, theft, forgery, possession of a stolen vehicle, or possession of an illegal drug.

Joliet – State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) this afternoon toured the Illinois Youth Center (IYC) Joliet.  He was joined by a number of his colleagues, including State Senator Sue Rezin; State Representatives Jack McGuire, Emily McAsey, and Renée Kosel; Will County Executive Larry Walsh; and a representative from House Minority Leader Tom Cross’ office.  After talking to Youth Center workers and discussing the likely consequences of closing the facility, Senator McGuire is urging the governor to reconsider his plan to close the juvenile detention center.

By working with federal authorities, the Chicago Police Department will have more access to resources which will help bring criminals to justice
- Sen. William Delgado

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Chicago, Illinois – State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) is proud to support Mayor Emanuel’s efforts to create a state and federal partnership that will help reduce violence in local communities.

"We need to work together to reduce violence and gun crimes throughout our neighborhoods," stated Senator Delgado. "By working with federal authorities, the Chicago Police Department will have more access to resources which will help bring criminals to justice."

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) is proud to announce that the Governor's Office has finally released funding dollars for the "Safe Routes to School" program.

State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passed significant safety legislation out of the Senate recently that will allow the Illinois Attorney General to investigate certain sex crimes for victims under the age of 18, including sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography. Senate Bill 1035 also allows the Illinois Attorney General and local State’s Attorneys to issue limited subpoenas to investigate these crimes.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago Heights) passed significant safety legislation out of the Senate today that strengthens the penalties for those accused of financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability.

"By increasing the fines for financial exploitation, we are sending the message that we are serious about protecting our seniors and those with disabilities," Hutchinson said. "Anyone who has heard a story about or been a victim of this type of scheme knows how financially and emotionally devastating this can be."

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois State Senator William Haine (D – Alton) has passed a measure on the Senate floor to prohibit convicted drug offenders from possessing or purchasing ingredients used in the production of methamphetamine.

"The Attorney General’s office and the State Police brought this bill to me as a way to fight meth use," Haine stated. "This bill will help curb the use of this destructive drug in Illinois."

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Last October, a Chicago Tribune article detailed the horrific story of Rebecca Mercado, a Joliet resident who fell victim to a two-day torture and beating at the hands of her then-husband. Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) today passed legislation through the Senate in an effort to strengthen penalties for abusers.

For two days in July 2009, Mercado suffered through constant torture when her then-husband held her hostage in their Joliet home and beat her repeatedly with a metal broom and a piece of wood until she passed out on the kitchen floor and police arrived.

CHICAGO, IL – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed several measures out of the Senate this week focusing on better health practices, safety and well-being.

To address the problem of concussions suffered by high school, college and professional athletes, Senate Bill 150 requires student athletes and their parents or guardians to sign their school district’s concussion and head injury policy before participating in practice or interscholastic competition. By creating the Protecting Our Student Athletes Act, the measure also requires each school district to use Illinois High School Association education materials to educate coaches, student athletes, and parents and guardians of student athletes about the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries, including continuing play after a concussion or head injury.