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.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Here is what this means for Illinois homeowners — no more surprise renewals, no more fine print, no more ‘gotcha’ letters in the mail.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings was joined at a press conference Wednesday by Senators Willie Preston, Paul Faraci, Meg Loughran Cappel, Christopher Belt and Doris Turner to announce new legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"When you open that renewal notice from your insurance company and your premium has gone up 30% or more, it is like stepping on a Lego at six in the morning — you didn’t do anything wrong, but you are definitely feeling it," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Across Illinois, homeowners insurance premiums have jumped 20% to 30% over the past year. Our neighbors are asking themselves, 'What did I do to cause this? I did not file a claim. I did not move. I did not change a thing, but my rates still went up.' And they are right to ask that question.”

For too long, Hastings said, the deck has been stacked in favor of large insurance companies that have turned inflation into a corporate get-rich scheme.

"Life is not always fair. You fix the leaky faucet and the dishwasher quits. Your kid throws up a game winner and it smashes the neighbor's window,” said Hastings. “Life is not always fair, but that is exactly why we have to be.

CHICAGO — State Senator Michael E. Hastings has been selected to serve on the Advisory Committee supporting Judge Charlie Beach as he transitions into his role as Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

“It is a tremendous honor to be asked to serve on this Advisory Committee,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Judge Charlie Beach is a leader of integrity and vision who has earned the trust of his colleagues and our community. I am proud to call Charlie a friend, and I know that under his leadership, Cook County’s courts will continue to uphold the highest standards of justice.”

The Advisory Committee brings together judges, justice partners, community leaders, and policy experts to help shape early administrative and operational priorities under Chief Judge Beach’s leadership. The transition structure is designed to reflect the values of good governance, open communication, data driven decision making and integrity, ensuring that the new administration begins with clear priorities and inclusive input from across the judicial system.