SPRINGFIELD – Physician assistants will soon be able to begin new employments at a quicker rate, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Laura Murphy (D--Des Plaines) that eliminates an outdated rule requiring physicians to file a notice of employment before a physician assistant can begin work.

“Before this initiative, the process to become a physician assistant was stalled with unnecessary paperwork and bureaucratic red tape,” Murphy said. “This law will encourage physician assistants to practice in Illinois—ensuring we have more high-quality practitioners administering care.”

Under Murphy’s law, physician assistants are now required to file a notice of employment with a doctor within 60 days instead of at the time of employment. Physician assistants may also begin employment before this notice has been filed—allowing them to join the workforce sooner.

Many other states, such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and West Virginia have similar laws to eliminate unnecessary restrictions for this primary reason. With less time spent waiting for paperwork to be filed and approved, people can begin making money faster, which may incentivize health care professionals to relocate or to stay in the state.

“We invest so much in the education of top-notch physician assistants in Illinois, only for them to leave to other states after graduation because they do not have this burdensome requirement,” Murphy said. “With this measure, we will encourage Illinois students to keep their talents in the state, and create more opportunities to provide care to underserved areas.”

SB 145 was signed into law Friday, May 6. It goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

SPRINGFIELD – Mobile home residents will now have access to more information about projected rent increases when going into a rental agreement, thanks to a measure introduced by State Senator Laura Murphy (D--Des Plaines) that was signed into law Friday.

“Tenants deserve to know about future changes to their rental agreements when they sign a new lease,” Murphy said. “This law will give them more insight into rental projections so that they can make informed decisions that impact their financial future.”

The law aids mobile home park residents by ensuring they are shown rent increase projections to their lots before signing their lease. This allows them to decide if they can invest in a lot with the fluctuating rent prices. Additionally, the law clarifies language for tenants and first time buyers of mobile homes to help people living in mobile home parks better understand the terms of their financial agreements.

The law also removes fees for owning a pet in a mobile home. All of these measures aim to assist mobile home park residents with selecting the most financially viable rental agreement for them, and removing unnecessary fees that may have deterred potential tenants from choosing to live in a mobile home park.

“Pet fees are sadly a financial deterrent for working class families deciding on where they can afford to live,” Murphy said. “I am proud that this law not only eliminates pet fees, but also works to make sure that families can enter rental agreements that work for their financial situations, allowing them to rest easier without having to worry about unexpected price increases and instead, enjoy their home.”

SB 1097 was signed into law Friday, May 6. It is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Laura Murphy (D—Des Plaines) strongly condemns the draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion nationwide, that was leaked to the press last night. Murphy released the following statement in response to the opinion:

"It is terrifying that in 2022 a woman in this nation may be given less freedoms and choices over her body and places to receive care for it. We've worked too hard to move women forward to take a step back like this now. I will continue to fight until the right to choose is protected for all women."

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois families are eligible to receive a tax rebate and financial assistance through tax relief programs included in the budget signed today by Governor JB Pritzker. Relief will come as early as July 1, thanks to support from State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines).

“Hardworking Illinoisans have been asking for help from the state, and I am happy to report that this budget will deliver the assistance they need,” Murphy said. “This budget not only pays all of our obligations, but provides low and middle-class people some financial relief—money that is much needed considering the difficulties in the past two years.”

Governor JB Pritzker signed the budget and the bipartisan tax relief plan – found within Senate Bill 157 – Tuesday.

The law sends money directly to taxpayers, sending relief checks straight to the mailboxes of more than 95% of taxpayers and homeowners. It also permanently expands the earned income tax credit, which will put $100 million per year back into the pockets of families who need it most.

Further, the tax relief plan includes a suspension on the 1% state grocery tax for a year, as well as a suspension of the state’s portion of the gas tax increase—saving consumers approximately $470 million in total.

Additional support for working families and teachers will be brought through back-to-school tax relief thanks to a sales tax reduction period in August, a teacher classroom supplies tax credit and an increase in the MAP college scholarship program.

Beyond providing relief for working families, the budget allocates funds to strengthen violence prevention programs, provides law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent and solve crimes, and more. The total investment in public safety is over $500 million.

“With rising crime rates across the state, it is imperative that we provide the best resources possible to law enforcement for them to address this issue,” Murphy said. “I am hopeful that this renewed investment in law enforcement will help reduce crime and work to keep our communities safe.”

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget will take effect July 1, 2022.