SPRINGFIELD – A new measure from State Senator Laura Murphy would close a loophole that leaves schools in the dark about educator misconduct investigations.

“Children must be protected at school, and to do so, the districts must be kept up to date about the teachers they employ,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “A school district has a right to know if an educator they have employed is the subject of a misconduct investigation.”

Current law prohibits the Illinois State Board of Education from providing information on pending misconduct charges or ongoing investigations to an educator’s current employing school district. However, this leaves many parents and guardians feeling concerned when an investigation is concluded and released to the public. This also leaves school districts in the dark about whether they unknowingly hired a teacher engaged in misconduct, potentially putting their students at risk.

SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may become more accessible thanks to a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Early and consistent access to Alzheimer’s treatment can make a real difference for patients and their families,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “No one should be denied care that could slow the disease’s progression.”

The measure would require group or individual health insurance plans to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Many available treatments are only effective in the early stages of the disease.

SPRINGFIELD – A proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy would make certain equine therapies more accessible by requiring health insurance coverage for the services.

“Offering coverage for equine therapy is a testament to the state’s commitment to personalized, patient-centered care,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By allowing occupational therapists the flexibility to offer this service to their patients, they can meet the unique needs of their patients and enhance their quality of life and well-being.”

Equine therapy is a term that encompasses therapies that involve interacting with horses, including specific therapies used by physical, occupational and speech therapists to engage different sensory responses for patients. It has proven to be particularly effective with veterans with PTSD and children with autism.

SPRINGFIELD – Children who walk to and from school would be safer under a new proposal from State Senator Laura Murphy.

“School zones should be the safest places for children, but distracted drivers and speeders pose a hazard that needs to be addressed,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Installing flashing beacons at crosswalks is a simple, effective way to prevent accidents and protect students and their parents on their daily commutes.”

Senate Bill 1941 allows local governments to install rapidly flashing beacons at pedestrian crosswalks near elementary and secondary schools. These beacons activate when pedestrians use the crosswalk, alerting drivers to their presence.