Hastings files bill to protect homeowners from post-storm contractor scams

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings filed legislation aimed at protecting Illinois homeowners from deceptive and high pressure contractor practices that often follow severe weather and natural disasters.

“After a major storm, families are overwhelmed and trying to protect their homes, not negotiate contracts on their front lawn,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation would give homeowners breathing room and make sure bad actors cannot take advantage of people when they are at their most vulnerable.”

The bill would modify the Home Repair and Remodeling Act to curb common post-storm tactics, including promises to waive insurance deductibles and aggressive door-to-door solicitation. Hastings said homeowners are too often pressured into quick decisions at a time when they should be focused on safety, insurance claims and getting their lives back on track.

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Hastings introduces legislation to strengthen cannabis safety and prevent child access

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings introduced Senate Bill 2866, legislation designed to strengthen safety requirements for cannabis products and reduce the risk of accidental ingestion by children.

“While cannabis is legal for adult use in Illinois, we must continue to take responsible steps to protect children,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation focuses on education, visibility and access to proper storage so families have the tools they need to keep their kids safe.”

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Hastings announces over $239,000 investment in Bicentennial Park project

FRANKFORT — Thanks to strong support from Michael E. Hastings, the Olympia Fields Park District received over $239,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements at Bicentennial Park.

“Last year we started with a $75,000 investment to get this project started,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This continued investment comes as great news to the residents of Olympia Fields looking for a safe and accessible place to gather and enjoy for years to come.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

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Hastings law modernizes missing persons investigations starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — According to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Illinois has 461 open missing persons cases. Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement will take a new approach to these cases, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“I teamed up with the Cook County Sherriff’s office to do a detailed review of how current law affects these investigations,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through that review we were able to find areas where we can modernize and become more efficient.”

The new law eliminates any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The law also requires information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Law enforcement agencies will now adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, reporting and follow-up action.

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