By Terri Bryant, Illinois State Senator
Governor Opens Potential Floodgate to Lawsuit Abuse
Governor JB Pritzker has now signed Senate Bill 328 into law, despite repeated warnings from Republicans, business leaders, and watchdog groups that the measure will hurt Illinois families, workers, and job creators. The new law allows anyone in the country to sue any business registered in Illinois, even if the dispute has no connection to the state.
Opponents warn that this expansion of legal jurisdiction will invite frivolous, out-of-state lawsuits that will clog Illinois courts, slow down justice for residents, and make companies think twice before investing within the state.
SB 328 cleared the General Assembly in the final hours of the spring legislative session after Democrats used a “gut and replace” tactic to bypass public scrutiny, a move Republican leaders argue violated the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule. Senate and House Republicans have filed a lawsuit challenging the law’s passage, vowing to continue the fight to protect Illinois families.
State Senator Terri Bryant says this law is a prime example of how special interests are being put ahead of the people of Illinois. She says the results of this new law will be higher costs, fewer jobs, and fewer opportunities for hardworking Illinois families.
More Licenses Now Available Through State’s New Online Platform
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has successfully completed Phase 2 of its transition to the new online licensing platform, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment).
As part of this phase, 25 more license types are now available for licensure through CORE, making the total number of license types 95. Many of these licenses were previously only available through paper applications, which often led to delays in processing.
State Senator Terri Bryant says the updated platform is part of a broader effort to modernize state services and reduce red tape. First-time applicants are encouraged to use the system to simplify the licensing process.
A full list of licenses available through CORE can be found here: https://ildfprprod.state-reg-central.tylerapp.com/portal/public
Back to School Safety Tips
As students head back to school, it’s important to prioritize safety to ensure a smooth and secure start to the year. The National Safety Council offers several key tips to help protect both children and drivers.
- Bus Safety: Teach children to stand 6 feet from the curb and to cross in front of the bus, making eye contact with the driver.
- Walking Safety: Instruct kids to walk on sidewalks, face traffic when no sidewalks are available, and avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones.
- Bicycle Safety: Ensure children ride on the right side of the road, stop before crossing streets, and always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Backpack Safety: Choose backpacks that weigh no more than 5-10% of your child’s body weight and encourage using both straps to distribute weight evenly.
- Driver Awareness: Obey school zone speed limits, never pass a stopped school bus, and remain alert for children and crossing guards.
By following these simple safety guidelines, we can help ensure a safe and successful school year for all.
For more information, visit the National Safety Council’s Back to School Safety Tips.
Grants Now Available for Safe Routes to School Projects
As students prepare to return to school, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has opened applications for its Safe Routes to School program. The initiative aims to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer for students across the state.
This year, $12 million in federal funding is available for projects such as new sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and public education campaigns. Grants can award up to $250,000, with priority given to schools serving low-income students and students with disabilities.
Eligible applicants include school districts, municipalities, nonprofits, and planning organizations. The deadline to apply is October 13, with awards announced in the spring.
More details are available on the Safe Routes to School program homepage.
Secretary of State Warns of Text Message Scam
Illinois residents are being warned to watch out for a phishing scam disguised as a message from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.”
The scam, which has been circulating for several months, employs alarming language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an attempt to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim that recipients owe traffic fines and face vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.
State Senator Terri Bryant says residents should be cautious and avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages.
The Secretary of State’s office clarifies that it does not send text messages about driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Legitimate texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.
Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.