SPRINGFIELD – To increase the donor pool of a lifesaving medical procedure, a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy will increase awareness of bone marrow donations in Illinois.

Senate Bill 3062, which was signed into law today, requires the Department of Public Health to develop and disseminate information about the National Bone Marrow Donor Program. The informational materials will talk about the existence of the program and how to join it, the need for bone marrow donations, the types of patients who benefit from bone marrow donations, and how to acquire free swab kits in order to self-test one’s compatibility as a donor.

“Bone marrow donations are often critical in treating life threatening forms of cancer for many patients across the state,” said Murphy, a Des Plaines Democrat. “By requiring the Department of Public Health to distribute information, it allows people who might not even be aware of their ability to become donors in the first place to save lives by making crucial and much-needed donations of bone marrow.”

The law allows for the information to be spread through talks, in print, electronically, or by any other method. It passed through the Senate and the House with bipartisan support and is effective immediately.

DES PLAINES — Less than two years after his tragic death, State Senator Laura Murphy secured justice for Buddy.

“I am so relieved that we finally have justice for Buddy,” said Murphy, a Democrat from Des Plaines. “This legislation will hold owners responsible if their dog kills another dog.”

Buddy was a 10-year-old Yorkie from Hanover Park who was attacked and killed by a neighbor’s dogs in 2017. Today the governor signed Murphy’s proposal to crack down on owners of dangerous animals.

Under the measure, Senate Bill 2386, dog owners could be defined as “reckless” if their animal is deemed dangerous for killing another dog and is found running at large twice within 12 months. If a person is determined to be a reckless owner, all dogs on their property will be forfeited to a licensed shelter, rescue or sanctuary. Reckless dog owners will be prohibited from owning dogs for up to three years if found guilty.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2019. Murphy was compelled to propose the measure after learning about the circumstances of Donna Dary and her dog, Buddy, who had been with her since he was 2 months old. Dary’s neighbor disregarded guidelines about dog muzzles – a contributing factor in the attack on Buddy – and the dogs were found running at large within a week of killing the Yorkie.

“I hope this legislation will prevent tragic deaths like Buddy’s from occurring,” Murphy said.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D – Des Plaines) allows veterans to receive property tax exemptions even if they did not occupy their residence at the start of the year.

Under current law, disabled veterans can receive property tax exemptions in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000 or complete exemption from taxation, depending on their level of disability, but if the veteran is not an occupant of the residence as of Jan. 1 of an applicable tax year, they are not entitled to any exemptions for that tax year. Senate Bill 2306 allows veterans who move into new residences after Jan. 1 to receive prorated exemptions based on the date of their occupation.

“Disabled veterans deserve our utmost gratitude as thanks for the many sacrifices they make defending our country,” Murphy said. “It’s not always possible to predict when you might have to move, and by allowing them to receive partial exemptions on their property taxes, we can help ease any financial burdens they may face. I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation that provides much-needed assistance to our country’s heroes.”

The legislation passed through both chambers of the General Assembly with bipartisan support and is effective immediately.

DES PLAINES — A new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) requires the governor to appoint two individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board.

“Individuals with disabilities need to have a seat at the table and an opportunity to make their voices heard on how to address the needs of Illinois’ workforce,” Murphy said. “I believe that as a state, we need to do more to utilize individuals with disabilities within the workforce. I hope that by having advocates on the board, they will help develop a strategic plan to increase employment among disabled Illinoisans.”

The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board seeks to evaluate and meet Illinois’ workforce needs. It includes a variety of members from the public and private sector who represent the interests of the business community, workers and educational field.

Senate Bill 3222 requires the governor to appoint two individuals who self-identify as individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities to the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board. Currently, nearly 50 members serve on the board.

According to theUnited States Census Bureau, about 7 percent of Illinoisans under the age of 65 have a disability.

This legislation, which was signed into law yesterday, takes effect immediately.