SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett supported a new law signed Friday that gives residents a new option to support families of first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

“Our law enforcement officers show up with bravery and courage to protect our communities each day,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “The least we can do is support the children and families of our first responder heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.”

The new law, House Bill 4161, creates a new option on state individual income tax returns for individuals to donate directly to the 100 Club of Illinois Fund.

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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure communities have a safe option to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Scott Bennett supported a new law to create a statewide disposal program.

“Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “Creating a statewide drug take-back programs provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs as well as educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place to safely collect and dispose of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to throw away these substances.

Because of this, many people become addicted to opioids found sitting in their family’s medicine cabinets.

“This new law addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue,” said Bennett. “Although some medications are safe to throw away at home, this gives residents a safe way to dispose expired medication and keep them out of children’s sight and hands.”

House Bill 1780 is now law and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Men will be able to get annual prostate cancer screenings with no out-of-pocket cost thanks to a measure supported by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) that was signed into law Friday.

“Prostate cancer can be life-threatening,” Bennett said. “This new law will allow more men to access prostate cancer screening without barriers and ultimately save lives.”

The law, originally House Bill 5318, will require private insurers to provide all qualifying male policyholders with an annual prostate cancer screening upon the recommendations of a physician.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have more access to mental and behavioral health specialists thanks to a law signed Friday supported by State Senator Scott Bennett.

“People living with mental health conditions often go without treatment because of the obstacles in place,” said Bennett (D-Champaign). “This new law breaks down those barriers and will help people access the care they need when they need it the most.”

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

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