After Successful IPASS Event in Crystal Lake, Mobile Tollway Team Coming to McHenry TODAY
I want to thank everyone who came out to the IPASS on Demand event I held with Senator DeWitte last week. About 150 people attended and switched out their plastic IPASS transponder for the new sticker system.
The mobile team from the Tollway is coming back to the 32nd District TODAY for my last IPASS on Demand event of the year.
IPASS on Demand
Monday, November 4
12:00 Noon – 6:00 PM
McHenry City Hall
333 South Green Street, McHenry
Officials from the Illinois Tollway will be on hand to help people transfer over to the new sticker technology and ensure people can make the switch without disruption to their IPASS account activity. Along with providing this service, the tollway officials can help people with questions they may have about their IPASS account and with ‘Pay by Plate’ issues.
Once activated, the sticker tag can be used on the Illinois tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation. There is no deposit required for the sticker and the $10 transponder deposit that was paid when a transponder was purchased will transfer to the new account when it is activated. For additional information about this free event, please contact Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Lawmakers Call for Urgent Changes to SAFE-T Act After Release of Suspect in Fentanyl Bust
In a case that has shocked many in nearby Grundy County, local authorities recently arrested two Honduran nationals found in possession of 3 kilograms of fentanyl—an amount so deadly it could kill 1.5 million people. Yet, within 48 hours of the arrest, one of the suspects walked free, leading to urgent calls from lawmakers to change state law to keep communities safe.
The arrests immediately triggered a pre-trial release hearing, mandated to occur within 48 hours under the SAFE-T Act. During the hearing, the Grundy County State’s Attorney sought to detain both suspects due to the severity of the charges. While one suspect was held, the other individual was released because officials were unable to access his criminal history within the narrow 48-hour window.
Shortly after the man’s release, authorities in California informed Grundy County officials that the released suspect had a juvenile criminal record. Had this information been available during the hearing, it could have strengthened the case for detention. This delay in obtaining critical background information has raised concerns about weaknesses in the SAFE-T Act, which critics argue limits the time law enforcement and prosecutors have to gather necessary evidence before making release decisions.
Now, lawmakers are pushing to change the SAFE-T Act, specifically targeting the 48-hour pre-trial release hearing requirement. Among the legislative changes under consideration is a proposal to classify Class X felony fentanyl charges as detainable by default, shifting the responsibility onto defendants to prove their eligibility for pre-trial release, rather than placing the burden on the State’s Attorney or judge.
With fentanyl continuing to endanger communities across Illinois, there is an urgency for reform. Our law enforcement needs the time and authority to make informed decisions for the safety of our communities. Lawmakers are now pushing for reforms to ensure authorities have the tools necessary to respond effectively to the escalating threat posed by fentanyl.
Veto Session Set to Begin
The Illinois General Assembly’s annual Fall Veto Session is approaching, scheduled for November 12-14 and November 19-21. While traditionally focused on addressing legislation vetoed by the Governor, this year there are no vetoes on the agenda. However, the Veto Session also provides an opportunity to revisit legislative items that were left unresolved or not addressed during the spring session.
If lawmakers decide to introduce new bills or reconsider previously unpassed legislation, they will need a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers for immediate effect.
SOS Promotes Distracted Driver Campaign
The Illinois Secretary of State’s (SOS) office has launched a new campaign, “One Road. One Focus,” aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving, especially among teen drivers.
A key component of the campaign is geared toward educating teen drivers about the consequences of distracted driving, requiring a new mandatory video that teens must watch during their learner’s permit phase. This educational video is part of an ongoing effort to instill safer driving habits early on, helping new drivers understand the serious impact their attention—or lack thereof— could have on Illinois roadways.
The Secretary of State’s office is also partnering with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to introduce designated “Distracted Driver Corridors” across the state in areas prone to high crash rates. These safety corridors will include signage to remind drivers of the increased risks in these areas, encouraging greater caution.
For more information on the “One Road. One Focus” campaign or other safety initiatives to reduce distracted driving in Illinois, click here.
IDFPR Launches New Online Professional Licensing System
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) recently launched the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment (CORE), a new online licensing system for IDFPR-licensed professionals.
This digital transition begins with three license types—clinical psychologists, nail technicians, and music therapists—who can now complete their entire application process online. CORE seeks to streamline and modernize licensing, moving away from paper applications and simplifying the review process for license applications received by IDFPR.
This launch is the first phase of a two-year rollout that will transition licensing for over 300 professional license types and manage records for more than 1.2 million professionals. More information about professional licensing in Illinois can be found on IDFPR’s website.
IDNR Reminds Hunters of Chronic Wasting Sampling Locations
With deer season upon us, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is encouraging hunters to take advantage of free testing for chronic wasting disease (CWD) available across Illinois.
CWD is a fatal disease impacting the central nervous system in deer, currently confined to a 21-county area in the northern third of the state. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend against consuming meat from CWD-positive deer.
Hunters in CWD-affected counties are especially urged to have their deer tested, as early detection and control are essential to preserving Illinois’s deer population. Testing is available through a network of participating vendors, taxidermists, and self-serve drop-off sites across the state, offering hunters convenient access to sampling locations.
For more details about chronic wasting disease or to locate a testing site near you, visit IDNR’s website.