Hurley Statement on Adjournment of Legislative Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – At the conclusion of this spring’s legislative session, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, issued the following statement:

“This session, I am happy with the amount of bipartisan, common-sense legislation we were able to pass. From protecting and increasing support for our first responders, to the passing of several bills increasing resources for mental health and domestic violence survivors.”

“What I am most proud of is being Chief Sponsor of House Bill 40 and watching the bill pass both the House and Senate with almost unanimous support. House Bill 40 extends the time period for special education students to continue their education. Under current law, special education students must leave school the day of their 22nd birthday, even if it’s in the middle of the year. House Bill 40 allows students to stay enrolled in school through the end of the school year where they turn 22. This allows students to stay with their friends and teachers as well as continue their education. This bill is something I’ve been working on for several years with the help of my constituents, Charlie and Katie Kettering, and I look forward to seeing the Governor sign it into law.”

“While chairing the Police and Fire committee this year, we were able to pass many new pieces of legislation that support our first responders. Among them being House Bill 202, which requires the City of Chicago to add history of the fire service labor movement to be a part of required training for Chicago firefighters. Other bills supporting our police and fire this year was a legislation to create a website dedicated to mental health resources for first responses as well as several bills to amend the downstate pension fund to not only make it more fiscally responsible, but also keep our promises to retirees.”

“I am also proud of passing several bills to support and further protect domestic violence survivors. These bills include House Bill 3485, which creates a “Hope Card” for recipients of a non-contact order to carry around referencing their legal rights. Several other bills also passed expanding protections and the scope of no-contact orders, to ensure a survivor never has to go through unnecessary trauma again.

“I remain committed to working together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and with our local community leaders and organizations to advance a balanced approach to legislation in our state that will support families and the middle class across Illinois.”