Sen. Dale Fowler

Amends the Coroner Division of the Counties Code. In provisions regarding preliminary investigations where a drug overdose is determined to be the cause or a contributing factor in a death, modifies the definition of "overdose" to exclude death caused by fentanyl, which shall be considered poisoning. Provides that, in every case in which fentanyl is determined to be the cause or a contributing factor in the death, the coroner or medical examiner shall report the death to the Department of Public Health as "fentanyl poisoning". Provides that, in the monthly report of overdose deaths, the Department shall also report on fentanyl poisoning deaths.

Creates the Ultrasound Opportunity Act. Sets forth legislative findings and definitions. Provides that at any facility where abortions are performed, the physician who is to perform the abortion, the referring physician, or another qualified person working in conjunction with either physician shall offer any woman seeking an abortion after 8 weeks of gestation an opportunity to receive and view an active ultrasound of her unborn child by someone qualified to perform ultrasounds at the facility, or at a facility listed in a listing of local ultrasound providers provided by the facility, prior to the woman having any part of an abortion performed or induced and prior to the administration of any anesthesia or medication in preparation for the abortion. Provides that the requirements of the Act shall not apply when, in the medical judgment of the physician performing or inducing the abortion, there exists a medical emergency. Contains a severability provision. Effective immediately.

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning the conviction of certain offenses as grounds for disqualification for licensure or suspension or revocation of a license, includes in the definition of "sex or other offense" abuse by an educator or authority figure as defined in the Criminal Code of 2012. Amends the Criminal Code of 2012. Creates the offense of abuse by an educator or authority figure. Provides that a person commits the offense if that person is an educator or authority figure at the school, the student is at least 18 years of age but under 23 years of age, the person is at least 4 years older than the student and holds or held within the previous year a position of trust, authority, or supervision in relation to the student in connection with an educational or extracurricular program or activity, and the person either: (1) commits an act of sexual conduct with the student; or (2) commits an act of sexual penetration with the student. Provides that abuse by an educator or authority figure involving sexual conduct is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense or if there is more than one victim. Provides that abuse by an educator or authority figure involving sexual penetration is a Class 4 felony for the first offense and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense or if there is more than one victim. Provides that consent of the victim is not a defense to abuse by an educator or authority figure. Defines "authority figure" and "educator".

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution (SR 88), not a substantive bill. It formally honors the life and community service of Joan C. Edwards, a longtime Anna, Illinois resident and licensed practical nurse who died on December 20, 2024. The resolution commemorates her 25-year service on the Union County Hospital board, her role as a community advocate, and her involvement with local organizations. It expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to her family and recognizes her contributions to Southern Illinois.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 65) honoring Dr. Carroll Ray Phelps, who passed away November 15, 2024. The resolution commemorates his life and legacy, highlighting his career as a gospel singer with The Phelps Brothers, his work as an educator and school administrator (including founding a school-based childcare center and a community wellness center), and his community involvement. It expresses the Illinois Senate’s condolences to his family and recognizes his contributions to education and his faith community. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or effect on legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial memorial resolution (SR 91) honoring J. Sam Garnati, a former Illinois State Police officer and community leader from Herrin. It expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family following his death on January 2, 2025, and recognizes his 34-year police career, military service in WWII, leadership in the Illinois Police Association, and decades of volunteer work with local organizations like the Herrin Community Food Pantry. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on any group.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 93) adopted by the Illinois Senate to honor Diane Marie McCleland, a longtime reading specialist at Lincoln Elementary School in Anna who died on December 16, 2024. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to her family, including her husband, children, grandchildren, and surviving siblings, and extends sympathy to her community. It has no policy provisions or impact on legislation - its sole purpose is to formally mourn her passing and recognize her life. The Senate unanimously passed it on February 5, 2025, with a copy presented to her family.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution (SR 101), not a policy bill. It formally mourns the death of Dr. Ronald Gayle Bittle, a former mental health professional and community leader from Anna, Illinois, who passed away on November 28, 2024. The resolution extends condolences to his family and honors his career in mental health research, hospital leadership, and civic service. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any constituents or laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial memorial resolution (SR 85) honoring Jason R. McHughs of Elco, Illinois, who died on December 13, 2024. The resolution expresses the Illinois Senate's condolences to his family, including his fiancée, children, parents, and extended relatives, following his passing. It has no policy provisions or binding effect - it solely serves to formally recognize his life and mourn his death. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate on February 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a memorial resolution (SR 87) adopted by the Illinois Senate on February 5, 2025, to honor the late James Bleyer ("Jim") Bleyer, a Marion, Illinois, attorney who died on January 6, 2025. The resolution commemorates his 70-year legal career, including his work as a sole practitioner, founding Bleyer and Bleyer law firm, serving on the Illinois Supreme Court's Character and Fitness Committee, and receiving the Illinois State Bar Association's highest honor. It extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his contributions to the legal profession and community. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create policy or affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing the Senate's collective sympathy.