SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) was sworn in for a new term Wednesday as the Illinois Senate officially began the 104th General Assembly. She released the following statement:

“I have proudly served the 28th District for several terms and I continue to be honored and blessed to serve my community in the Illinois Senate.

“It is my mission to continue to address issues that are important in all corners of the district. This includes protecting consumers, finding real solutions to problems faced by working families and ensuring government works for everyone.”

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to protect survivors of domestic violence, State Senator Laura Murphy proudly supported a measure that would ensure firearms are able to be removed from the hands of abusers, following the issuing of an order of protection.

“Domestic violence causes a host of problems and when a firearm enters the situation it has the potential to become deadly,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Victims of domestic violence deserve a system that protects their wellbeing and holds abusers accountable.”

House Bill 4144 – also known as Karina's Bill – would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Law enforcement agencies would be required to remove firearms within 96 hours of a judge’s order from individuals whose FOID cards are revoked due to emergency restraining orders. This new policy would provide clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application across the state and addressing the risks associated with firearms in domestic violence situations.

SPRINGFIELD – Young adults in Illinois Department of Corrections custody could see new educational opportunities thanks to a new law led by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“Incarcerating a young adult creates a gap in their education that can lead to a loss of future opportunities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “We want to give emerging adults the chance at a fresh start when they leave custody and equip them with the tools they need to become productive, responsible members of their communities.”

The measure allows the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish emerging adult programs for individuals ages 18 to 21 who have been committed to the Illinois Department of Corrections. This would allow qualifying 18- to 21-year-olds to transfer to DJJ facilities to participate in developmentally appropriate educational services as well as holistic services, including individual and group therapy, case management, vocational training and higher education opportunities.

Program participants would have to qualify based on eligibility criteria set up by the DJJ and IDOC. Transfer policies and procedures would be established by an intergovernmental agreement set by the two agencies.

“One of the best ways to ensure that young adults have the ability to find their footing when they rejoin their community is to provide them with educational opportunities,” said Murphy. “Developmentally appropriate services can give them the necessary tools to lower their chance of reoffending.”

Senate Bill 426 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

SPRINGFIELD – Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease will become more accessible thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy.

“An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can leave a person and their loved ones feeling like their lives have been turned upside down, but knowing that they have access to the treatments that they need can be a relief,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Early treatment can significantly enhance the patient’s well-being and provide valuable time for families to adapt and plan for the future.”

The measure will require the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover all medically necessary FDA-approved treatments and medications prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Under the new law, diagnostic testing for a physician to determine the appropriate course of treatment will also be covered.