SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a law signed Friday that allows Illinois corporations to safely and effectively hold shareholder meetings virtually.

“While a lot of our favorite activities were halted during the pandemic – much of our daily work and meetings weren’t,” Morrison said. “Corporations must be able to have transparent and safe communications between their boards and shareholders.”

The law amends the Business Corporation Act to allow boards of directors of corporations to host shareholder meetings through virtual communication. If a corporation chooses to use these means, they must implement measures to allow shareholders to view, participate and vote.

The legislation comes after some Illinois corporations raised safety concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They argue their work can be done just as effectively via remote communication. Other states, including New York, Delaware and New Jersey, have already adopted laws allowing remote shareholder meetings.

“This law simply allows those businesses and shareholders to do what most of us have been doing for nearly a year: meet virtually,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 116 was signed Friday and takes immediate effect.

LAKE COUNTY, Ill. – Community members from across Lake County joined State Senators Adriane Johnson and Julie Morrison over the weekend for an ice cream social and town hall.

“It was a pleasure to spend time with so many members of the community, discussing their visions for our area’s future,” Johnson said. “The event was a great opportunity to break the ice and spread the word about how new legislation is going to make life better for residents.”

People came out to meet the senators at Horizon Park Saturday. Johnson and Morrison spoke with the group about their legislative accomplishments and received feedback from community members – all while enjoying free ice cream.

“Meeting people of all ages who are politically engaged and are genuinely interested in the work we do in Springfield is always a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We appreciate everyone who came out and made this a successful event.”

People who weren’t able to make the event but have questions for the senators can contact Senator Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200 or Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201.

SPRINGFIELD – To prevent poor dental health among children and teens that can cause lifelong health consequences, State Senator Julie Morrison’s (D-Lake Forest) proposal to allow preventative dental services within schools was signed into law Friday.

“Routine dental care isn’t just about appearance – it’s about overall health and well-being that can affect every part of a child’s life,” Morrison said. “It’s time we treat dental care like other preventative health care.”

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services could put in place a school-based dental program that would allow out-of-office preventative services – like teeth cleanings.

About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11, and about 13% of those between 12 and 19, have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who have poor oral health also often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who don’t.

“The best way to keep teeth healthy is through preventative dental care – but not every person has the means to go the dentist routinely,” Morrison said.

Senate Bill 346 takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) to protect children from the harmful effects of pesticides is on its way to the governor.

“Children are at higher risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing, making them far less able to purge these pollutants compared to adults,” Morrison said.

The legislation would make it illegal to use restricted pesticides within 500 feet of a school during normal school hours when children are present. It comes following complaints that pesticides such as Dicamba and Chlorpyrifos can be harmful to both the environment and public health.

Half of the 2 million pesticide poisoning incidents each year involve children younger than six years old, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Children are at higher risk for health effects from exposure to pesticides than adults because their nervous, immune, digestive and other systems are still developing, making them far less able to purge these pollutants compared to adults.

“It’s clear that pesticide exposure is bad for children’s health,” Morrison said. “We can prevent that unintended exposure by moving this measure forward.”

Senate Bill 2245 has passed both chambers.