SPRINGFIELD – A new state law led by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen and State Representative Anna Moeller from a west suburban resident aims to help prevent more unnecessary deaths tied to suspected fentanyl usage, by giving law enforcement more tools for investigations.

“Our country is dealing with one of the deadliest drug crises in history. We need to ensure that fentanyl is a part of a coroner’s report to keep track of its reach in our communities,” said Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By requiring coroners to report whether fentanyl was a contributing factor, we can ensure that these reports are accurate and update our data on this epidemic.”

SPRINGFIELD – To unify the policies and procedures in jails and prisons in Illinois keeping new and expectant mothers safe. State Senator Mary Edly-Allen worked alongside the Women’s Justice Institute (WJII) to introduce a new law, HB5431, providing comprehensive protections for committed pregnant people, including banning the use of restraints. As the number of incarcerated pregnant women has increased over the years, many of these pregnancies have been left without adequate support.

“This law aligns every jail and prison in Illinois to have safe policies and procedures when it comes to pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I am proud to see Illinois strengthen protections and ensure these policies are equitably and humanly applied under this law.”

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law led by State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, fire protection districts will be able to use funds to update, purchase and maintain new property and vehicles.

“This law gives a much needed update to the Fire Protection District Act that hasn’t been updated in decades. It is critical we continue to find ways to support our emergency services in any financial capacity we can,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “By allowing local government to accumulate these funds, real improvement will be made to address the quality of emergency medical services that are typically underfunded.”

House Bill 4359 allows the Board of Trustees of any fire protection district in the state to accumulate funds from its ambulance fund and emergency and rescue fund to improve the quality of services that emergency medical and rescue services provide. 

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mary Edly-Allen passed a law to remove the requirement that all reports of child abuse and neglect made by mandatory reporters must be confirmed by Child Protective Service Unit.

“By streamlining and clarifying how abuse is reported, we are taking a step toward making the reporting process more efficient and thorough,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This legislation will ensure that concise and accurate reporting is the standard in Illinois as our future generations deserve nothing less.”