STATEHOUSE- It is hard to believe it has already been one month since the 2010 legislative session wrapped up. Over the course of the last 30 days, you have heard repeated media coverage of high profile bills such as school funding flexibility, the delay on unemployment insurance premiums and job creation from the Illiana Expressway and Ohio River bridges projects. There were 114 bills that passed the General Assembly this year and have been signed into law by the governor. While the bills mentioned above are extremely important to the continued success of our state, there are 111 other bills that you might find important. While I will not highlight all 111 remaining bills, I would like to tell you about a few that I find meaningful, and I hope you will too. Domestic Violence Policy and Education-Senate Enrolled Act 316 This bill is also known as "Heather's Law" named after Heather Norris, who was killed by her abusive boyfriend when she tried to get out of the relationship. The bill requires the Department of Education along with professional dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual abuse organizations to form educational material on dating violence. Schools will use the educational material to teach students about the dangers of dating violence and responses to dating violence. Yield to Stationary Utility Vehicles-Senate Enrolled Act 93 This bill is also known as "Bryan's Law" named after Bryan Osbon, a utility service worker who was struck and killed, while working, by a passing vehicle. The bill requires drivers to change lanes when they see a stationary utility service vehicle. If a driver is unable to switch lanes they must slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Failure to follow these laws is a Class A infraction punishable by up to a $10,000 fine and the potential loss of driving privileges. Involuntary Manslaughter and Pregnancy- Senate Enrolled Act 71 This bill will charge a person with involuntary manslaughter if a pregnant woman's fetus is killed during a car accident in which they were driving while intoxicated. The crime is a Class D felony and is punishable by six months to three years in prison. Ephedrine and Methamphetamines-House Enrolled Act 1320 This bill will prohibit selling or purchasing of more than 3.6 grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (PSE) on any one day, and no more than 9 grams can be sold in a 30-day period. Ephedrine and PSE are drugs used in common cold medications and are now being used illegally to make "Meth." The bill will also require a retailer selling drugs which contain ephedrine or PSE to post a warning sign stating that it is a criminal offense to purchase more than certain quantities of the drugs. Finally, the bill establishes a legislative study committee that will look into different issues surrounding "Meth" and the selling of ephedrine and (PSE). |
