Legislation would require SOS to include Scott’s Law reminder in renewal notices
In an effort to promote on-the-job safety for Illinois State Troopers, the Senate has passed legislation that would require the Secretary of State to include information about Scott’s Law with every vehicle registration notice it sends to motorists.
Senate Bill 947 is an effort to make Illinois’ roadways safer by informing drivers about Scott’s Law, which states that drivers must move over, if possible, and slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle.
The legislation was a direct response to the recent tragic deaths of three Illinois State Troopers, all happening within the year. In total, the number of troopers hit by vehicles has drastically increased in 2019, with 16 reported incidents in the past three months. In 2018, eight troopers were hit; 12 were hit in 2017; and five in 2016.
Scott’s Law, enacted in 2002, is named after Lieutenant Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department, who was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while assisting at a crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway. A person who violates Scott’s Law can be fined up to $10,000.
COWL announces $2,500 scholarship program for women 25+
The Conference of Women Legislators (COWL) is encouraging women throughout the state, who are seeking to earn undergraduate college degrees, to apply for one of their $2,500 scholarships. Applicants must be 25 years or older.
COWL is a bipartisan, bicameral, nonprofit organization of women legislators in the Illinois General Assembly. Their yearly Scholarship Award Program is a part of the group’s mission to promote economic independence, community service, and leadership development.
Scholarship applicants are required to enroll in an Illinois accredited college or university for a minimum of six credit hours to qualify, making the scholarships available to part-time and online students.
Applications must be postmarked or emailed by April 30. Awardees will be notified by May 31.
IEMA offers tips to help residents in disaster recovery
April is Recovery Preparedness Month, and IEMA has released a helpful guide on how residents can be prepared to quickly and efficiently recover from disasters.
Here IEMA’s five tips:
- Get Organized. Secure and organize financial and critical personal, household, and medical information. Having these items in a safe place can expedite insurance claims and other emergency expenses.
- Savings. Saving is the best financial defense against disasters. A little bit at a time can go a long way. A rainy day fund can help you invest in your family’s safety.
- Insurance. Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them.
- Inventory. Make an inventory of your possessions using photographs and/or videos of your belongings.
- Communication. Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Develop a Family Communication Plan. This will outline how you will contact one another when a disaster strikes.