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.

SPRINGFIELD – To address the ongoing stalemate at the Niles-Maine District Library, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading the charge to end the pandering that has left a trustee board seat vacant for over a year.

“The failure of the board to make an appointment, then the subsequent actions of some to challenge the State Librarian’s appointment, is putting the operations of the library at a standstill,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s time for the board to put differences aside and prioritize the needs of the community.”

For the past 15 months the Niles-Maine District Library board has been at a stalemate in their efforts to fill a vacated seat. In August 2021, a former library board member resigned, the board was unable to agree on a replacement trustee, leaving the board in a perpetual 3-3 tie. Murphy led legislation in the spring to bring the stalemate to an end, and allow the Secretary of State—acting under the role of State Librarian—to appoint an individual to the vacancy.

However, the appointee was blocked from entering the position by a temporary restraining order, which was later made permanent, continuing the 3-3 tie.

House Bill 4073 – passed by Murphy Wednesday – clarifies the law she passed in the spring and requires the State Librarian to fill vacancies created prior to its enactment – which was May 27, 2022 – as well as vacancies created after. Under the measure, if a library trustee board fails to fill a vacancy within 90 days, the State Librarian is tasked to do so in the following 60 days.

“With this new clarification on legislative intent, it is my hope that there will be no future stalemates of this magnitude,” Murphy said. “Our libraries are one of our most precious resources, they make our communities stronger.”

HB 4073 passed the Senate on Wednesday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

DES PLAINES – Residents of Maine Township have the opportunity to learn how to appeal their property taxes at an upcoming Tax Appeal Seminar sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi will lead the seminar which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Niles Senior Center Room 217, located at 999 Civic Center Dr. in Niles.

“Property taxes can be a source of stress for many, but residents don’t need to handle the appeals process alone,” said Murphy (D—Des Plaines). “This event will ensure residents of Maine Township have access to the resources they need to address their property tax concerns.”

Analysts will be available to answer questions after a brief presentation. Interested residents will need to bring either their second installment property tax bill or property tax index number.

For more information about filing an appeal, including webinars and online appeal options, visit CookCountyBoardOfReview.com/Cabonargi.