SPRINGFIELD – Just six months after a gunman opened fire at a Fourth of July parade in nearby Highland Park – killing seven and injuring dozens more – State Senator Laura Murphy voted in support of banning assault weapons in Illinois.

“I have always supported commonsense gun laws aimed at keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By banning the future sale of assault weapons, Illinois takes a step forward in preventing further gun-related violence which threatens our most fundamental human right, the right to life.”

In response to the Highland Park shooting and other mass shootings across the nation, Murphy supported Senate Bill 5471. The measure bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines from being sold in Illinois.
The 4th of July shooting punctuated a six-week period in which mass shooters using semi-automatic weapons killed more than 40 people in Buffalo, Uvalde, Texas, Tulsa and Highland Park combined.

Studies show that approximately one-third of public mass shooting events include the use of an assault weapon, and nearly 40% involve a high-capacity magazine. When an assault weapon and/or a high-capacity magazine is used in a public mass shooting, nearly 14 times as many people are injured, and twice as many people are killed. Not only are there more injuries when assault weapons are used, but the types of injuries are far worse.

“We know that no amount of regulation can ensure we prevent these senseless killings, but each time we limit the ability for a dangerous person to access a firearm, we potentially save a life,” said Murphy. “In addition, the measure protects the rights of every law-abiding gun owner.”

House Bill 5471passed the Senate Monday and will head to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to a measure from State Senator Laura Murphy local governments and municipalities have better tools to hold utility companies accountable for payments.

“Utility companies already collect this tax on behalf of municipalities—it’s just a question of whether the money gets where it’s supposed to go,” Murphy said. “This legislation would ensure local governments can depend on utility companies to hold up their end of the bargain.”

The legislation will hold utility companies accountable for gathering accurate sales data, reporting that data to municipalities, and giving municipalities the tax dollars they are owed. It also establishes a process by which municipalities can request tax information to perform an audit and settle disagreements regarding the amount of taxes owed.

The amount a municipality receives in utility tax dollars depends on the municipality's local charges and the amount in utilities used by customers within those municipalities. Under current law, if municipalities do not receive the funds they believe they are owed, the burden rests on the municipality to hire an auditor and determine the correct amount.

“Local governments shouldn’t have to spend years in court and pay thousands in legal fees to make sure utility companies pay up,” Murphy said. “Especially after the economic hardships of the past years, we have to make sure our communities receive the dollars they’re owed.”

Senate Bill 1794 passed both chambers with bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature before becoming law.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy announces the agreement between stakeholders including law enforcement, states attorneys and other advocates has led to the passing of a measure that clarifies the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act and ensures smooth implementation of the law.

“After listening to public comments, and hearing from police, sheriffs and states attorneys concerning the Pretrial Fairness Act, it became clear that some clarifications of the Pretrial Fairness portion of the SAFE-T Act were needed,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “The intent of the original SAFE-T act was good, but there were concerns about misinformation and about its implementation.”

House Bill 1095 provides clarification to common misconceptions spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passing in January 2021. Many Illinoisans were left confused as to what the law truly does following smear campaigns on social media and in the headlines of fake newspapers.

The measure explains that judges can issue warrants and summons, provides a reminder that any person who poses a threat to the community or someone else – including trespassers – can be arrested and removed, and clarifies court authority when it comes to electronic monitoring, among other items.

“Countless hours have been spent speaking with law enforcement about what changes needed to be made,” said Murphy. “I am pleased we were able to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure smooth implementation.”

The measure is a collaborative effort alongside law enforcement, states attorneys, Coalition to End Money Bond, ACLU of Illinois, the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, CAASE, and more.

House Bill 1095 passed the Illinois Senate and awaits further consideration in the Illinois House.

DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected with their community and spread cheer this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is collecting holiday cards for residents at local long-term care facilities.

“A handwritten note or card is a great way to help those living at long-term care facilities get into the holiday spirit,” said Murphy. “Last year we collected over 2,300 cards that were distributed to seniors in local long-term care facilities, which is more than double what we collected during our first year, so we are grateful to be able to bring smiles.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also encouraged to participate.

“It only takes a few minutes, but a heartfelt holiday greeting can make all the difference to someone who may be struggling during this challenging time,” said Murphy. “Your kind words could bring a smile to a neighbor’s face.”

Cards can be delivered or mailed to Murphy’s office through Monday, Dec. 19 located at 1645 South River Road, Suite 7, Des Plaines, IL 60018.

Cards can be dropped through the mail slot. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110.