SPRINGFIELD — In response to traffic accidents that have endangered the lives of students, staff and drivers, State Senator Julie Morrison is leading legislation to require seat belts in newly purchased school buses.

“We teach children at a young age the importance of buckling their seat belt when getting into a car,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “With many students riding a school bus several times a week, a seat belt is one more layer of protection.”

Under Senate Bill 191, all school buses purchased or leased after July 1, 2031 would be required to have seat belts on all seats. Current law requires drivers and passengers ages 8 and older to wear seat belts in passenger vehicles, but there is no law requiring safety belts on buses. If the measure passes, Illinois would join nine other states requiring seat belts on buses.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison applauded Friday’s announcement that Vantive, a kidney care company, will invest $23 million and locate its new U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, bringing 50 new jobs to the area.

“This investment is a massive win for Illinois,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Not only will this bring good jobs to the region, but it will also support Illinois' continued advancement in the health care industry, ensuring we are able to compete with the best in the business.”

Vantive is the latest recipient of a tax credit through the Senate Democrat-supported Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy program. The EDGE program provides annual corporate tax incentives to qualifying businesses that support job creation and capital investment — committing more than $650 million in investments across the state in 2024.

HIGHLAND PARK — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) issued the following statement in response to the sentencing of Robert Crimo III in the 2022 Highland Park mass shooting that left seven dead:

“On July 4, 2022, I joined my family, friends and neighbors in what was meant to be a day of celebration but quickly turned into one of unimaginable tragedy.

“This is an emotional day for the Highland Park community. We’ve heard survivors’ stories of heartbreak, courage and resilience, and the weight of this day will forever linger.

“Today’s outcome brings some closure, but it cannot erase the pain of what was lost. We’ve stood together, united in grief and motivated to act, and as we continue to heal, we will do so together.”

SPRINGFIELD — To support sexual assault survivors, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation that would remove barriers and improve protections for individuals seeking medical care.

“Survivors deserve compassionate care that meets their needs and empowers their choices,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Healing from trauma takes time and courage, and our systems should support this journey.”

Senate Bill 1602 works to create a more supportive and responsive system for those receiving care after a sexual assault. Morrison worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office who spearheaded this initiative, which includes a number of changes in how hospitals handle sexual assault cases based on recommendations from the state’s Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act Implementation Task Force.