Morrison helps deliver on women’s health

HIGHLAND PARK – All Illinois pregnant women on Medicaid can now access the important RSV vaccine from pharmacies thanks to the efforts of State Senator Julie Morrison, who has been working with state officials to make health care more accessible and equitable. 

Effective Nov. 20, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services removed the requirements for additional documentation of informed consent beyond the standard methods used for vaccinations and prior authorization for the RSV vaccine, which is the maternal Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine.

"The RSV vaccine is very important for pregnant women during this time of year, when RSV and respiratory illnesses tend to spike," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "I want to thank state officials at HFS for recognizing the need to guarantee pharmacy access to the RSV vaccine for all pregnant women on Medicaid."

The Illinois Department of Public Health made the following recommendations in September 2025 regarding RSV vaccination for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated:

• All pregnant people during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy
• Adults ages 50 years through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV disease
• All adults ages 75 years and older 

“This is welcome news for women and children, but the work cannot stop there,” said Morrison. “We need to continue working on vaccine literacy and continue our outreach efforts. Women need to know not only are these vaccines more accessible, but they are safe, effective, and essential.”

For more information on the RSV vaccine, click here.

Morrison gives back to local veterans in need this holiday season

HIGHLAND PARK – State Senator Julie Morrison recently held an event to bring residents together by making fleece blankets and donating goods to local veterans in need.

“I truly appreciate everyone who spent a Saturday during the holiday season volunteering at my office’s event,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It was especially great to connect with the next generation of volunteers and work together toward a great cause.”

Volunteers of all ages joined Morrison at the donation drive and blanket-making event, including families, police officers, honor students, scout troops, youth pageant queens, and fellow elected officials. Together, they collected dozens of new blankets, non-perishable food items, and new board games, puzzles, and playing cards to donate to Midwest Veterans Closet. The organization provides free clothing and food for veterans and service members in the community.

“Thank you to everyone who dropped off donations to make our event even more meaningful,” said Morrison. “Completed blankets along with donated food and games were delivered to Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago where veterans and service members can shop free of charge.”

People who would like to learn more about Midwest Veterans Closet can visit www.midwestveteranscloset.org.

Morrison law strengthens state’s approach to public health

SPRINGFIELD — Acknowledging the interconnected nature of human, animal and environmental health, State Senator Julie Morrison’s new law designed to enhance coordination among health care providers, veterinary professionals and environmental specialists in addressing Illinois' public health concerns takes effect Jan. 1.

“Recent events have demonstrated the clear connection between animal and human health – from COVID-19 to the latest bird flu cases,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Cross-disciplinary collaboration will enable the state to respond more effectively to complicated health threats.”

Senate Bill 291 establishes a One Health Commission within the Illinois Department of Public Health to promote collaboration among physicians, veterinarians and other scientific professionals. The commission will work closely with state agencies to recommend best practices to promote interdisciplinary communication, establish methods for the response to and recovery from disease outbreaks in animals and humans, and develop ways to monitor emerging health threats, among other responsibilities. The commission will submit a report of recommendations to the governor and General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2027.

The One Health approach recognizes the connection between human, animal and environmental health. This framework promotes a multisector approach to addressing broad health challenges, such as diseases that spread between animals and people, and bacteria or viruses that become resistant to medicine. Research shows integrating expertise across disciplines helps achieve better health outcomes for all living things.

"This law dismantles the barriers that currently separate human, animal and environmental health sectors," said Morrison. "Implementing a One Health framework enables us to leverage the expertise of top professionals across these fields, allowing for more proactive strategies in protecting public health."

Senate Bill 291 takes effect Jan. 1

Morrison law expands state police’s authority to investigate online crimes against children

SPRINGFIELD — In today's world, children can access the internet through tablets, smartphones and various smart devices, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation. State Senator Julie Morrison collaborated with the Illinois State Police to broaden their investigative powers to combat these digital crimes and better protect young people.

“Internet predators operate without regard to jurisdictional boundaries, and our law enforcement response should reflect that reality," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "This law eliminates obstacles that prevent state police from responding swiftly and decisively when children face online threats.”

House Bill 2586 will give ISP’s Division of Criminal Investigation broader jurisdiction to pursue online child exploitation cases and work alongside local task forces across the state. The law aims to improve response times, close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen coordination between agencies working to protect children from digital threats. These changes will bring Illinois in line with Alicia’s Law, a national initiative that empowers specialized law enforcement units to track and prosecute predators who target children online.

In addition to expanding protections for children, the law includes several technical changes to update ISP’s procedures related to task force liability coverage, the security of criminal justice systems and the handling of commercial vehicle safety checks.

“Internet crimes against children task forces are critical for identifying and stopping the criminal exploitation of children,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Through our partnerships with law enforcement agencies across the state, and at all levels, we’ll continue to identify child predators and bring them to justice.”

House Bill 2586 takes effect Jan. 1.