SPRINGFIELD – To address extended warranty fraud, State Senator Laura Murphy advanced a measure that would enable vehicle dealers to file suit against scammers that use their intellectual property to deceive consumers.

“Consumers deserve transparency and honesty, but aftermarket sellers often engage in deceitful practices to push unnecessary and overpriced plans,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Through this legislation, we are laying out a way for automobile dealers whose likeness is used to deceive consumers to try to mend their damaged reputations.”

Extended warranty scams have become common in recent years. Frequently, fraudulent letters are marketed to look like they come from an official or authorized source, rather than an aftermarket extended services plan.

Under Murphy’s measure, car dealerships would have the ability to seek damages for the use of the dealer’s name, likeness, image, registered trademark or intellectual property without the dealer’s written permission. The court would also be able to award punitive damages and other equitable relief the court deems appropriate.

“It’s imperative that we enact stronger consumer protections to shield individuals from falling victim to predatory scams—and ensure that dealerships don’t suffer reputational damage from the use of their likeness,” Murphy said. “If a company engages in deceptive practices that damage the reputation of a dealership, they should receive a suitable punishment.”

House Bill 4447 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

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. These services include individual or 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.

“We need to ensure that young adults in custody receive the educational services that they are entitled to, and to give them necessary tools so they don’t reoffend,” Murphy said. “They need to be prepared for when they reenter their communities. By providing them with developmentally appropriate services, they will have a greater chance to find their footing, which will also contribute to a lower rate of recidivism.”

Senate Bill 426 passed the Senate Thursday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Acknowledging a greater need for educational opportunities for young adults in custody, State Senator Laura Murphy is leading a measure to bring emerging adult programs to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

Standing alongside advocates, experts and fellow lawmakers, Murphy outlined her proposal at a press conference Thursday.

“As a state, we have a duty to ensure young adults in custody have the tools they need to thrive when they return to their communities,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Emerging adults deserve a fresh start when they leave custody, and this measure will put them on the path to successful reintegration.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy is working to form a new Medicaid subcommittee to help streamline the Medicaid system in Illinois.

“The Medicaid system is the cornerstone of health care for individuals with developmental disabilities, yet navigating its complexities can be daunting,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “With the subcommittee, we seek to remove these barriers and create a more efficient, person-centered Medicaid system that puts individuals and their needs first.”

The measure would create a subcommittee under the Medicaid Advisory Committee at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The subcommittee would consist of 30 members, including the directors of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Illinois Department of Insurance, as well as social workers, parent advocates, representatives from statewide health organizations and members of the General Assembly.

One goal of the new subcommittee is developing and proposing policies to increase the state’s Medicaid provider networks to give Medicaid clients more choice. It would also work toward streamlining the Medicaid system and making it more efficient to improve quality of care.

“Everyone deserves access to quality health care,” Murphy said. “By exploring new ways to expand the network of Medicaid providers, we pave the way for improved access to essential services, fostering a health care system that leaves no one behind.”

Senate Bill 2655 passed the Senate Wednesday. It now goes to the House for further consideration.