Manley Caps Off Health and Public Safety Agenda, Several Measures Signed into Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Rounding off a successful legislative session this Spring, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, has passed a catalog of new bills into law that focus on strengthening health and public safety concerns for Illinoisans statewide.

“I’m proud to receive the governor’s support on several measures that will improve how we manage several health items across the state, including making sure insured patients receive timely care by keeping insurance companies accountable, upskilling our care facility staff, and penalizing the remote delivery of e-cigarettes for minors,” said Manley. “As well as recategorizing how we manage hazardous waste for smart, safe disposal, we’re truly on a healthy path to ensuring all our health and public safety standards are on track to prioritize our future generations.”

Governor JB Pritzker signed the following Manley-backed bills on August 9.

● Senate Bill 2641 requires insurance companies to prove that hospitals in their network have enough specialists, including emergency room doctors, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and pathologists, to ensure covered patients receive timely care.

● Senate Bill 860 modifies the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act to ensure that care facility staff who help administer medication are well-trained and that safety standards are maintained at the highest level.

● Senate Bill 3098 criminalizes the shipping or delivery of e-cigarettes or “vapes” that were remotely purchased under the age of 21, subject to a $200 fine for one offense within 2 years.

● Senate Bill 839 updates how hazardous paint and paint-related waste are classified as “universal waste,” holding companies to higher safety standards, including management requirements and mandating employee training or shipping standards for hazardous paint.

“While there is plenty more work to be done, these initiatives fill crucial gaps in our laws that will have positive transportation for many Illinois communities,” said Manley.