(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Attorney General’s office, along with a bipartisan coalition of 18 other attorneys general nationwide, have filed comments with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) expressing support for a recently proposed rule to crack down on deceptive and unfair fees faced by consumers. Intended to deter such practices, the proposal also seeks to promote a level playing field to enable comparison shopping, allowing honest businesses to compete. Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are also a part of the move.
(SPRINGFIELD) A northern Illinois lawmaker has introduced a House Bill (4876) that, if approved, would amend the Abused & Neglected Child Reporting Act to say an “abused child” is one whose parents deny abortion services, or “gender-affirming” services. The parents’ rights group, Awake Illinois, has in response, started a campaign against the bill, which basically states that denying children things like puberty blockers is equal to child abuse. The proposal would also prohibit parents from suing a doctor that’s performing “ginder-affirming” services to a child. The bill remains in the House Rules committee.
(SPRINGFIELD) Another attempt is being made to make medically-assisted suicide legal in Illinois. Referred to now as “medical aid-in-dying” instead of assisted suicide, the proposed bill would allow terminally ill adults to have the option to get prescription medication to end their life. So far ten states have authorized medical aid-in-dying, while 19 other states are considering similar measures this spring. A recent poll by the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition shows that fewer than one in five Illinois voters oppose assisted suicide.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting the 33rd Annual “Today’s Challenge – Tomorrow’s Reward” Conference next week at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield. The February 21st & 22nd event will feature topics on work category expansion, funding, training opportunities, construction safety, and more. IDOT staff and industry leaders will also lead sessions on how to bid on, participate in, and deliver projects.