Category: Legislation

Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement Tuesday at the end of the spring legislative session:

“As we begin to move forward from the pandemic, it’s crucial that we continue to provide support to those most heavily impacted by it. I voted to pass a responsible budget that works to deliver meaningful relief to residents and businesses, while also protecting essential services that our most vulnerable rely on.

“More than ever before, the COVID pandemic has exposed the need to make health care more affordable. Employees who lose their jobs or need to take time off to care for a loved one should still have access to health insurance. I sponsored several measures to expand access to coverage and reduce high health care costs, so families can better afford their prescriptions and medically necessary procedures.

“I also worked to address the pandemic’s continuing impact on housing by supporting economic assistance for homeowners, renters and landlords who lost the ability to make their payments. The pandemic and its restrictions were incredibly difficult for small business owners and employees, it’s important that we continue to take steps to support job creation and respond to economic concerns in the coming months.

“Gun violence, which has tragically plagued our communities for years, did not stop during the pandemic.  In the final few days of session, I passed a bill that I first began working on as a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, the Fix the FOID Act. This bill improves the state’s gun owner licensing laws, and works in tandem with another gun safety measure I supported to prevent mass shootings by disarming people who pose a risk to others or themselves. 

“While we accomplished a lot this spring to build a stronger and safer Illinois, more needs to be done. I look forward to continuing my work with members of our community to address the challenges we will face in the days ahead.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to curb the flow of illegal firearms and prevent violence, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed legislation Saturday to strengthen the state’s gun licensing system. Hirschauer’s House Bill 1091, dubbed the Block Illegal Ownership and Fix the FOID bill, now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

“Gun violence is a public health issue that affects far too many families and communities,” said Hirschauer, a longtime volunteer with the gun safety group Moms Demand Action. “As the Aurora shooting tragically illustrated, there are loopholes in Illinois’ gun laws that allow dangerous criminals to possess and use firearms, even after their FOID card has been revoked. This bill takes crucial steps toward preventing the ongoing plague of gun violence and mass shootings.” 

The evidence-based gun safety measure makes several changes to Illinois’ gun owner licensing laws by:

  • Requiring background checks for all gun purchases, including person-to-person, private sales;
  • Verifying the identity FOID card applicants through a one-time fingerprint check;  
  • Enabling the Illinois State Police to retrieve guns once a FOID card is revoked; and
  • Dedicating life-saving mental health funding for communities most impacted by gun violence. 

“As a longtime commonsense gun reform advocate, I commend my colleague Rep. Maura Hirschauer for her leadership on this bill which shuts the door on existing loopholes in current law to prevent firearms from reaching the hands of bad actors,” said Rep. Kathleen Willis. “The proliferation of gun violence in our communities and across the country needs to be met with evidence-based gun violence prevention measures, and that is precisely what this bill does.”

“Protecting loved ones from gun violence is a visceral issue that connects with people across the state, especially parents,” said Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I’m proud to support Rep. Hirschauer’s bill because it offers proven measures that will keep kids and families safe. This is a straightforward proposal to address gun violence given the decades-long stalemate at the federal level, and I hope my Senate colleagues give it strong consideration.”

Numerous studies have shown the widespread threat of gun violence. Nearly 1,400 Illinoisans die every year due to gun violence, one in 10 being children or teenagers. Nearly 40 percent of gun deaths are due to suicide, also highlighting the importance of another gun safety bill passed by the House earlier this session: Rep. Stoneback’s bill, House Bill 1092, to improve Firearm Restraining Orders to prevent those who may pose harm to themselves or others from acquiring a gun. 

For more information about either bill bill, visit ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Menstruating students in 4th through 12th grade would have free access to tampons and pads in school bathrooms under a plan sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which passed the House last week.

“Everyone who menstruates can relate to the discomfort and embarrassment that comes with not having access to period products when you’re bleeding through your clothes,” said Hirschauer. “There are so many reasons why students might not have a tampon or pad with them. For those from low-income families, it’s often an added expense they simply can’t afford. And regardless of their financial situation, younger students who are starting their period for the first time will probably be caught off guard and without a pad.”  

Under current state law, schools are required to make menstrual products available to students in at least one bathroom in the building, which is typically located within the nurse’s office. The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 156 aims to make these products more easily accessible by requiring they be stocked in all bathrooms that students use.

“If a student realizes they’ve started their period during the school day, we want them to be able to quickly and discretely get what they need so they can return to class,” said Hirschauer. “This bill recognizes that periods are a normal part of life and that menstrual products are as much of a necessity as other hygiene items like soap and toilet paper. I was glad to see it pass the House recently and look forward to this bill becoming law.”  

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients

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Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To combat discrimination and help doctors better meet the needs of their LGBTQ patients, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring legislation that would mandate anti-bias training for health care professionals in Illinois.

“Everyone deserves to feel valued and understood at their doctor’s office and to receive quality health care services,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ community report experiencing bias and discriminatory treatment, and sometimes being denied care altogether due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is unacceptable and exemplifies the need for better training for health care providers to address these barriers to care.” 

The Biden administration announced Monday that health care providers cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, reversing a Trump-era policy that eliminated anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. Hirschauer’s legislation, House Bill 3170, would further support the well-being of LGBTQ Illinoisans by requiring doctors to complete a training program on implicit bias in order to renew their license. Intended to promote more equitable and inclusive health care practices, the training would include information on how to identify unconscious biases and misinformation, ways to reduce discrimination and stigma, and tips for communicating more effectively with people who identify as sexual minorities.

“The reinstated protections at the federal level are a significant step in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do to make sure our health systems are providing LGBTQ-inclusive care,” said Hirschauer. “Ongoing education and training for doctors will help them establish trust with their patients, treat them with respect and improve access to quality care.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the hands of potentially violent individuals,

having recently voted to pass a measure to strengthen specific firearm restrictions for people who pose a risk to themselves or others.

“When someone is exhibiting dangerous behaviors, taking appropriate precautions is critical for their own safety and the safety of everyone around them,” said Hirschauer. “A short-term hold on the person’s ability to purchase or possess a firearm may very well prevent a catastrophic shooting event, but it’s incumbent on those closest to them and law enforcement officials working together—and quickly—to respond if someone is a possible threat.”

Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 1092, which expands the scope of Illinois’ “red flag” law, under which close family or household members can petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a threat to others or themselves. Red flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, have received renewed attention recently, as Indiana’s version could have potentially prevented an April mass shooting at a FedEx facility had it been used to its fullest extent.

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 1092 strengthens the original Illinois law that took effect in 2019, expanding who can petition the courts for a firearms restraining order to include former spouses and partners who share a child with a potential shooter. To ensure law enforcement officers are familiar with how the law is supposed to work, the measure creates a training program for local authorities, as well as a public awareness campaign to empower more people to use it.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk,” said Hirschauer. “By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

House Bill 1092 passed the House last week and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk. By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

 

Hirschauer Resolution Highlights Program to Find Missing Seniors, Alzheimer’s Patients

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Resolution Highlights Program to Find Missing Seniors, Alzheimer’s Patients

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is drawing attention to a toolkit meant to aid law enforcement in locating elderly people who are reported missing, having recently brought legislation before the state House in support of Illinois’ Silver Search program.

“When a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia wanders away from home, it’s important for their safety that they are quickly located and reunited with family and caregivers,” said Hirschauer. “The Silver Search program has become a valuable tool to protect some of our most vulnerable seniors and has proven to be successful in many cases.”

The Illinois House recently approved Hirschauer’s resolution urging county officials to utilize the Silver Search program more frequently in missing persons cases involving an older adult with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Silver Search legislation was first passed by the General Assembly in 2016, and the program has since been used to locate more than 120 missing seniors. When a senior who is cognitively impaired goes missing, Silver Alerts utilize an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory to alert the public through highway signs, emails, text messages and social media, similar to an Amber Alert for a missing child.  

House Resolution 33 came out of a joint Senior Advisory Committee that Hirschauer shares with Sen. Karina Villa. Community members interested in joining the committee can email seniors.49th@gmail.com for more information.

“I am grateful to the members of my Senior Advisory Committee who worked with me to craft this legislation, and I value their input on further efforts to protect the well-being of older Illinoisans,” said Hirschauer. “Silver Search is a proven system that helps families reunite with their loved ones, let’s make sure it is used in its fullest capacity.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Resolution Highlights Program to Find Missing Seniors, Alzheimer’s Patients appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Would Help Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Access State Services

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Would Help Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities Access State Services

 

Parents of students with special needs would receive additional information about state programs for which their child may be eligible

under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.  

“Many teachers and school staff already do a wonderful job of connecting special needs families with resources to help their child inside and outside the classroom, but this should be uniform across all school districts,” said Hirschauer. “Registering with the PUNS database is the first step families can take to receive developmental disability services, so it’s important that they know it exists and how to sign up.”

Hirschauer introduced House Bill 290, which requires school districts to notify parents of students with individualized education programs (IEPs) that their child may be eligible to receive services by registering with Illinois’ PUNS database. PUNS stands for Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services and is a statewide database from which individuals are selected for services as funding becomes available. Under Hirschauer’s bill, families would receive a copy of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ ‘Understanding PUNS’ guide during their initial meeting with school officials to develop a student’s IEP and once a year after that. The guide is also available for download at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27897/documents/Brochures/4313.pdf.
 
“While not every student with an IEP will be eligible for state services, it’s still beneficial for them to understand the PUNS enrollment process in case their needs change over time,” said Hirschauer. “I am hopeful that my legislation will help more families access critical services and supports both now and in the future.”

Hirschauer passed House Bill 290 out of the House, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

“I am hopeful that my legislation will help more families access critical services and supports both now and in the future.”

 

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Hirschauer Passes Legislation to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Legislation to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Household and family members would be able to request a no-contact order on behalf of a sexual assault survivor who needs protection under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which passed the House on Thursday.

“After experiencing something as traumatic as sexual assault, a survivor should be able to receive any protections they need, including a no-contact order in some cases,” said Hirschauer. “However, they may be scared of retaliation from their assailant if they file for one. By allowing the people closest to the survivor to file for the no-contact order with their consent, my bill would help family members protect their loved one’s safety while also respecting their wishes.”

Hirschauer led House Bill 1742, which recently passed on the House floor. The measure allows any family or household member of a survivor of non-consensual sexual conduct or non-consensual sexual penetration to apply for a no-contact order, as long as they receive consent from the person in need of protection. Currently, a family member is only allowed to apply on behalf of the survivor if they are a minor or physically unable to go to court themselves.

“It is imperative we continue to expand protections and support survivors in every way possible,” said Hirschauer. “I am proud to carry this bill and will continue to work with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault in the future to pass legislation to change the culture around sexual assault and hold perpetrators accountable for their behavior.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Passes Legislation to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Takes Trauma-Informed Approach to School Shooter Drills

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Hirschauer Bill Takes Trauma-Informed Approach to School Shooter Drills

 

Students and school personnel would receive advance notice of planned active shooter drills

under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, aimed at preventing psychological impacts from these training simulations.

“It’s scary and heartbreaking that our reality necessitates preparing teachers and young children for how to respond if an attacker barges into their classroom with a gun,” said Hirschauer. “While there’s a need for law enforcement to train for real emergencies that we all hope never occur, drills that are overly realistic can be extremely traumatizing for children. My bill keeps the well-being of students and staff at the heart of school lockdown drills by taking a trauma-informed approach to these situations.”

Hirschauer, a longtime volunteer with Moms Demand Action, is sponsoring House Bill 2400 to address how lockdown drills affect children. The measure specifies that school shooter drills must be age and developmentally appropriate, include school-based mental health professionals and be announced in advance, with an option for parents and guardians to exempt their child from participating. Under current state law, schools and law enforcement agencies are required to conduct a lockdown drill within the first 90 days of the school year.

“We must continue to do everything in our power to protect students from the physical threat of school shootings, but we can’t jeopardize their mental health in the process,” said Hirschauer. “I am committed to removing the harmful impacts of active shooter drills and making sure they’re conducted in a more effective way.”

“We must continue to do everything in our power to protect students from the physical threat of school shootings, but we can’t jeopardize their mental health in the process”

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HB2400 – School Law Enforcement Drills FactSheet

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