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Dear Neighbor,
This update is the first of three that provides an overview of the legislation I passed this session. These bills - along with addressing our budget and ethics crises - were my priority this Session. Most of these priorities came directly from 7th District concerns and/or directly from constituents. My most rewarding challenge as your State Senator remains harnessing the diverse and dynamic perspectives this District offers the public policy debate in Illinois.
I led the effort for 28 bills that passed both Chambers. This email details the human rights, animal rights, and public safety issues I emphasized this Session. A bill that resulted from a constituent problem is then highlighted below.
- Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (SB 1770). Currently employers with 50 or more employees must allow victims of domestic violence to take unpaid leaves of absence. This bill extends the right to employees in firms with 15 or more employees.
- Humane euthanasia of animals (SB 38). Prohibits euthanasia of dogs and cats by carbon monoxide unless performed by a veterinarian meeting certain circumstances (thus banning large gas chambers from being used).
- Firearm Owner ID Card Revocation (HB 3991). This bill amends Domestic Violence laws to provide that a court can require turning over a gun for safekeeping in an order of protection if there is danger of illegal use of a gun. It also requires the State Police to deny a FOID card application if a person is subject to an order of protection.
- School Bullying (HB2547). Amends the Human Rights Act to provide jurisdiction to the Human Rights Department to investigate allegations of harassment and bullying that occurs in schools.
- Special Education Expert Witness (HB628). Special education students have educational plans developed with input from the school and parents. This bill ensures that an independent evaluator retained by a parent can have appropriate access to school facilities to evaluate the child's educational circumstance so that the parent can have meaningful input into the educational plan (currently some schools prevent access to the school.
- ID Card for Homeless Persons (HB 897). Provides that homeless persons can obtain identification cards at no fee.
- Wards of State Sterilization (HB 2290). Brings Illinois' laws into compliance with federal laws to provide appropriate protections for wards of the state who may be sterilized.
- Preventing Teen Dating Violence (HB 973). Allows instruction on teen dating violence to be included in grades 8 through 12.
- Refugee/Asylee Benefits (HB399). Ensures refugees/asylees who have been victims of torture continue to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
- Temporary labor Agency Location (HB866). Prevents temporary labor agencies from being located with 1,000 feet of a school or boys and girls club.
My next two email updates will highlight my efforts in environmental, education, health care and small business legislation. Your forthright reactions and reflections on my work allow me to refine my priorities and learn more about how to best represent you. As always, please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions or concerns. You can contact me at heather@heathersteans.com or 773-769-1717.
Best,
Heather Steans
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| Low-Speed Electric Bicycle Bill |
In fall of 2008, Kathy MacLellan contacted my office because she owns and rides a low-speed electric bicycle. These bicycles must be pedaled to run, but also have an electric motor to provide assistance to the rider. These bicycles are particularly useful for seniors, the physically disabled, or folks that just need extra power to travel long distances with their bicycles.
Kathy had been approached by the police for riding this bicycle and when my office looked into her situation, we realized that these bicycles fell into a "grey" area of the law. Recent federal law had changed to move these bicycles from being regulated as "motor vehicles" to being regulated as "consumer products" and state law had not yet caught up.
Under current state law, these bicycles - which move no faster than a normal bicycle (no greater than 20mph) - fell under the same category as mopeds. Mopeds are required to have a title and registration from the Illinois Secretary of State's office. Low-speed electric bicycles cannot receive a title and registration from the Secretary of State's office because these bikes do not have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). After speaking with the Secretary of State's office, we decided to pursue legislation to clarify this law.
After the bill was drafted, Representative Greg Harris - Kathy's State Representative - agreed to be the chief co-sponsor and lead on this bill in the House. The bill did not have any opposition and easily passed through both Chambers.
Kathy, who teaches at a community college, says that she uses this bill as an example of how citizens can get involved in their government and change the law. I was excited to help Kathy and to encourage this form of alternative transportation. |
| Upcoming Events |
Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival
Visit my table at the Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival this weekend, August 22 and 23 from noon to 8pm. We will be near the corner of Morse and Greenview on Morse.
The fest will run two blocks along Glenwood and extend along Morse from the Red Line to Greenview Ave.
The Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest is a free, weekend-long event that features artists, open studios, and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. Experience art of all disciplines, music, theater, food and drink on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Chicago's historic Rogers Park neighborhood.
Visit http://www.glenwoodave.org/ for more information.
Alderman Joe Moore's 19th Annual Back to School Picnic
Sunday, August 30, 2009
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join me at Alderman Joe Moore's Back to School Picnic.
Loyola Park at Farwell & the Lake
The picnic will include family friendly activities such as bingo, dance contests, face painting, various games and prizes as well as free food and drinks.
For more information or if you'd like to volunteer, contact the 49th Ward office at 773.338.5796 or visit www.ward49.com.
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Heather Steans