The Illinois House of Representatives advanced several bills Friday dealing with concerns around public health and safety while debating other measures to combat gun violence.
Lawmakers passed a bill expanding insurance coverage for telehealth in a unanimous vote in favor of House bill 3498. The bill requires insurance providers to cover telehealth treatment. Over the last year, we ve seen firsthand evidence telehealth preserves quality and safety, meets individual patient needs, decreases health care disparities, and protects public health, said state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, referencing the increased dependence on telehealth because of the pandemic.
Lawmakers also engaged in a spirited debate over addressing lead water pipes throughout the state. State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, argued lawmakers cannot wait any longer to address the problem of lead in water and it should have been addressed in the 2019 capital bill.
Credit Blueroomstream.com
A bill allowing a person who must register with a state agency due to a criminal conviction to change their name under specific circumstances passed the Illinois House on Thursday with bipartisan support.
House Bill 2542, introduced by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, amends several state statutes preventing Illinois residents from changing their names due to their presence on watch lists. HB 2542 passed through the new House Restorative Justice Committee last month, with an amendment approved by the same committee Wednesday.
The bill crafts exceptions to the Arsonist Registration Act, the Sex Offender Registration Act, and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act for persons who want to change their name due to marriage, religious beliefs, victim status or gender-related identity subject to the approval of a judge.
By Sarah Mansur
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD A bill to lessen penalties for possessing and selling small amounts of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, narrowly passed out of the state House of Representatives Wednesday after a contentious debate.
The discussion over House Bill 3447 provoked strong emotions on both sides of the aisle, passing by a 61-49 vote, or just one more than was needed to pass.
The bill filed by Rep. Carol Ammons, an Urbana Democrat would reclassify small amounts of drug possession from a low-level felony to a misdemeanor.
For example, a person who possesses less than three grams of heroin would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Currently, that offense would be charged as a Class 4 felony, which carries a one- to four-year prison sentence.
The Illinois House of Representatives advanced several bills Friday dealing with concerns around public health and safety while debating other measures to combat gun violence.
Lawmakers passed a bill expanding insurance coverage for telehealth in a unanimous vote in favor of House bill 3498. The bill requires insurance providers to cover telehealth treatment.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand evidence telehealth preserves quality and safety, meets individual patient needs, decreases health care disparities, and protects public health, said state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, referencing the increased dependence on telehealth because of the pandemic.
Lead in water
Lawmakers also engaged in a spirited debate over addressing lead water pipes throughout the state. State Rep. Lamont Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, argued lawmakers cannot wait any longer to address the problem of lead in water and it should have been addressed in the 2019 capital bill.
Bill allows convicts to change name with court approval
RAYMON TRONCOSO
Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – A bill allowing a person who must register with a state agency due to a criminal conviction to change their name under specific circumstances passed the Illinois House on Thursday with bipartisan support.
House Bill 2542, introduced by state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, amends several state statutes preventing Illinois residents from changing their names due to their presence on watch lists. HB 2542 passed through the new House Restorative Justice Committee last month, with an amendment approved by the same committee Wednesday.
The bill crafts exceptions to the Arsonist Registration Act, the Sex Offender Registration Act, and the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act for persons who want to change their name due to marriage, religious beliefs, victim status or gender-related identity subject to the approval of a judge.