Murphy leads measure to educate young adults in custody

SPRINGFIELD – Young adults in Illinois Department of Corrections custody could soon see new educational opportunities thanks to a measure led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

The measure allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21 year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services. These services include individual or group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

“We need to ensure that young adults in custody receive the educational services that they are entitled to, and to give them necessary tools so they don’t reoffend,” Murphy said. “They need to be prepared for when they reenter their communities. By providing them with developmentally appropriate services, they will have a greater chance to find their footing, which will also contribute to a lower rate of recidivism.”

Senate Bill 426 passed the Senate Thursday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

Murphy measure to provide young adults in custody vital educational opportunities

• Education
• SB426

SPRINGFIELD – Acknowledging a greater need for educational opportunities for young adults in custody, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

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Murphy proposes new Medicaid subcommittee

• Medicaid
• SB2655

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is working to form a new Medicaid subcommittee to help streamline the Medicaid system in Illinois.

“The Medicaid system is the cornerstone of health care for individuals with developmental disabilities, yet navigating its complexities can be daunting,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the subcommittee, we seek to remove these barriers and create a more efficient, person-centered Medicaid system that puts individuals and their needs first.”

The measure would create a subcommittee under the Medicaid Advisory Committee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The subcommittee would consist of 30 members, including the directors of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as social workers, parent advocates, representatives from statewide health organizations and members of the General Assembly.

One goal of the new subcommittee is developing and proposing policies to increase the state’s Medicaid provider networks to give Medicaid clients more choice. It would also work toward streamlining the Medicaid system and making it more efficient to improve quality of care.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care,” Murphy said. “By exploring new ways to expand the network of Medicaid providers, we pave the way for improved access to essential services, fostering a health care system that leaves no one behind.”

Senate Bill 2655 passed the Senate Wednesday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners

• Mobile home parks

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy, residents of mobile home parks could see improved transparency and protections.

“Access to information about tenants’ rights is crucial for promoting stability and preventing exploitation,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Empowering residents allows them to make informed decisions and advocate for themselves and their rights effectively.”

Under current state law, mobile home park owners are required to obtain a license to operate. If a park owner fails to maintain their license, the tenants are not required to pay rent. Murphy’s measure would ensure no tenant could be evicted for failing to pay rent to an unlicensed mobile home park. A mobile home owner would retain the ability to evict a tenant for failure to comply with park rules, nonpayment of actual rent due, and failure to comply with local ordinances and state laws regulating mobile homes.

Read more: Murphy advances initiative to improve transparency for mobile home owners