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.

SPRINGFIELD – Victims of paper check fraud are one step closer to relief thanks to a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Instances of paper check fraud have been on the rise in the last few years, and the regulations in place don’t always protect consumers,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Victims can wait months for relief and still never see it. Hardworking Illinoisans deserve better.”

Paper check fraud often involves what is known as “check washing,” a process of stealing an existing check and altering it to reflect a larger value and a different payee. Under Murphy’s measure, financial institutions would be required to investigate paper check fraud within 10 business days after receiving notice from a customer. If it is determined that fraud occurred, the institution would need to refund the customer’s account with the amount of the fraud within one business day.

If the financial institution isn’t able to complete the investigation within 10 days, it would need to credit the customer’s account in the amount of the alleged fraud within one business day. The institution could then take up to 45 days to determine whether fraud occurred.

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy, treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may become more accessible.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and debilitating condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Every moment counts for patients and their families facing this devastating disease, by removing barriers to treatment we allow them to receive timely and effective care.”

The measure would require the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It would also require the program to cover all diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate use of treatments or medications.

In addition, the treatments would not be subject to step therapy, which requires patients to take one or more alternative medications or treatments before they can access the one prescribed by their doctor. Many available treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease. Roadblocks such as step therapy can delay or prevent those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s from receiving those treatments.

“Recognizing the urgency of addressing the complex needs of patients living with Alzheimer’s ensures that they receive timely access to treatments that may slow the progression of the disease and improve their overall quality of life.” Murphy said.

Senate Bill 3318 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday. It now goes to the full Senate for further deliberation

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure proposed by State Senator Laura Murphy, medications could be easier to obtain during shortages.

“When you are a patient dealing with a long-term illness or condition, the last thing you want to hear is that your medication is out of stock, but the name brand — which isn’t covered by your insurance — is in stock and you’ll have to pay hundreds more just to get the medicine you need,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It is even worse when you have to call every local pharmacy and get the same answer. We need to ensure better outcomes for our patients by ensuring that they have access to the medications that they need.”

Murphy’s measure would require health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.