(The Center Square) – State lawmakers and advocates are pushing for more awareness and resources, along with harsher penalties for drug dealers, to address the dangers of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. The precursors for the drug have origins in […]
Tag: illinois
Posted inState News
Lawmakers introduce bill that would ban ‘assault weapons,’ raise age for gun ownership in Illinois
Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban “assault weapons” and high-capacity magazines and prevent most residents under the age of 21 from owning guns in Illinois. Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) introduced House Bill 5855, dubbed the Protect Illinois Communities Act, on Thursday. Morgan represents Illinois House District 58, which includes towns like […]
Posted inState News
New law going into effect January 1 will require all homes in Illinois to have 10-year smoke detectors
A new state law going into effect will require smoke alarms installed in Illinois homes after January 1 to have a ten-year sealed battery, officials said. Public Act 100-0200 was passed by lawmakers in 2017 to update the Illinois Smoke Detector Act. The updates reflect “advances in technology.” Beginning January 1, any new smoke alarm […]
Posted inState News
State’s attorneys ask Illinois Supreme Court to consolidate dozens of SAFE-T Act lawsuits
After over 50 state’s attorneys filed lawsuits against Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, a motion has been filed asking the Illinois Supreme Court to consider consolidating the lawsuits. The criminal justice legislation makes Illinois the first state in the country to abolish cash bail on January 1. At least 55 counties are going to court claiming the […]
Posted inState News
Gov. JB Pritzker issues executive order recommending Illinois residents wear masks again
Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order on Friday recommending Illinois residents, including those who are vaccinated, to wear masks in accordance with CDC guidance. Pritzker’s previous orders said that anyone who was not fully vaccinated should wear a face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain a six-foot social distance. His […]
Posted inState News
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker suggests SAFE-T Act changes could be needed
(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday suggested that changes could be necessary to clarify some of the language in the SAFE-T Act, which will make Illinois the first state to eliminate cash bail. The SAFE-T Act, also known as HB 3653, changes use-of-force guidelines, requires body cameras for every police department in […]
Posted inState News
FBI warns of tech support scam targeting older residents in Chicagoland area
The FBI has issued a warning to residents in the Chicagoland area about an increase in scams where criminals are posing as tech support and targeting elderly people. The FBI said in a statement this month that technical support fraud involves a criminal posing as technical support to defraud unwitting people. Criminals may offer support […]
Posted inState News
Lawmaker starts petition drive that aims to repeal Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, including cashless bail
(The Center Square) – An Illinois senator is calling for a full repeal of the SAFE-T Act, which is set to go into effect in less than four months, and is urging residents to sign a petition drive. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity Today Act into law last year. The […]
Posted inState News
Illinois health officials issue alert about ‘rainbow fentanyl’ entering drug market
Illinois health officials have issued a warning about “rainbow” fentanyl which resembles candy and has been introduced into the illicit drug market. A colorful version of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been identified in several states, according to a memo sent to local health departments and hospital systems from the Illinois Department of Public Health […]