Murphy secures nearly $5 million in grants for muti-use paths in Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy announced $4.9 million to fund the construction of several multi-use paths in Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village.

“Multi-use paths are more than just a way to get from point A to point B — they create safe, accessible spaces for walking, biking and connecting with others,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “These grants are investments in our community’s health and safety.”

Three projects have received funding in the 28th District. The first is a 10-foot wide, half-mile long multi-use path in Des Plaines along Devon Avenue from Stillwell Drive to Des Plaines River Road, which received $1.2 million. Elk Grove Village is set to receive $1.47 million for an 8-foot wide multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists from north of Devon Avenue to Clearmont Drive. The village also received $2.2 million for bike and pedestrian projects along Tonne Road, including a 1.55-mile path within the center median, street and pedestrian lighting, a sidewalk, and enhanced landscaping.

The grants were administered as part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation. The program is focused on improving bike and pedestrian travel, as well as making other improvements that promote options for safely traveling around communities.

“Pedestrian and cyclist safety is vitally important,” Murphy said. “Our state’s continued commitment to improving our infrastructure shows our dedication to the safety of all travelers, not just those who use our roadways.”

The grant is part of IDOT’s commitment to improving non-motorized transportation options and supporting local infrastructure development across Illinois. For a full list of projects, visit IDOT’s website.

Murphy passes measure that protects consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car sellers

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy passed a measure to protect consumers by cracking down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“Unlicensed car sales bypass inspections, hide serious damage and leave families with costly repairs or unsafe transportation,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Ending curbstoning is about safety, transparency and fairness for every car buyer.”

The goal is to make the already illegal practice of “curbstoning” — a scheme where individual sellers draw car shoppers to places like parking lots and side streets to sell used cars without a license — more difficult. The cars are sold for more money than they are worth and typically have significant issues such as water damage, mileage rollbacks, mechanical issues, or salvaged titles — which are only issued if the car has sustained enough damage to be declared a total loss.

Under the measure, vehicle dealers would not be able to park and advertise cars on public streets or highways, public parking lots or public property. Law enforcement agencies would be allowed to authorize towing services to remove a car if it is displayed for sale with a damaged, destroyed, removed, covered or altered vehicle identification number.

In addition, the legislation would create the Unlicensed Motor Vehicle Dealer Enforcement Task Force to review unlicensed car dealership enforcement in the state. The task force would recommend ways to extend additional protections to customers, investigate online sellers, and explore enhanced penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

“Empowering law enforcement to have unlicensed dealers’ cars towed will deter curbstoners and protect consumers,” Murphy said. “We need to hold unlicensed car dealers accountable and ensure every car sale meets the standards of safety and honesty.”

House Bill 2751 passed the Senate Wednesday.

Murphy measure aims to protect consumers from unlicensed car sales

• Consumer protection
• HB 2751

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is championing a measure to crack down on unlicensed car dealers deceiving consumers with sales of defective cars.

“In our current financial landscape, consumer protection is more important than ever,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Unlicensed car sellers pose significant risks to consumers, not just financially but also by putting the lives of unsuspecting customers in danger with cars that are of questionable quality.”

The goal is to make the already illegal practice of “curbstoning” — a scheme where individual sellers draw car shoppers to places like parking lots and side streets to sell used cars without a license — more difficult. The cars are sold for more money than they are worth and typically have significant issues such as water damage, mileage rollbacks, mechanical issues, or salvaged titles — which are only issued if the car has sustained enough damage to be declared a total loss.

Read more: Murphy measure aims to protect consumers from unlicensed car sales

Schools would be more prepared for emergencies under Murphy’s measure

SPRINGFIELD – With worries about hazardous material explosions on the rise, schools would be required to establish emergency evacuation plans under a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“It’s vital to establish clear plans before an emergency happens, which is why our schools need to know how to best protect their students should the unthinkable happen,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Evacuation plans developed with emergency management experts give schools the tools they need to act quickly and confidently in a hazardous spill – saving time, reducing chaos and protecting lives.”

Under this legislation, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security would be required to work with the Illinois State Board of Education to develop guidance detailing the potential impacts of an explosion or release of hazardous substances near schools. The guidance must include recommendations for evacuation plans, communication protocols and how to identify a school district’s local disaster agency. This guidance would be shared with all local emergency planning committees, emergency services and disaster agencies and school districts in the state by July 1, 2026.

Equipped with the agency’s guidance, both private and public schools would need to develop school procedures in the event of an explosion or release of hazardous substances. The districts would have until July 1, 2027 to have evacuation, communication, and training programs established at each school in their district.

“Preparing for accidents isn’t just taking precaution – it’s demonstrating responsibility,” Murphy said. “Schools and emergency officials working together means faster responses and safer outcomes for our children.”

Senate Bill 71 passed the Senate Wednesday.