Halpin’s bill to integrate the Quad Cities mental health system passes committee

• Mental Health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to support Rock Island mental facilities and vulnerable Iowa patients passed committee today.

“Health care access is a concern that crosses state lines,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Allowing Iowa patients to access Rock Island mental health infrastructure is a win-win, particularly with the quality care our facilities can provide.”

Senate Bill 188 would allow for Iowa involuntary in-patient admissions to be accepted at Rock Island County facilities in Illinois. Illinois law presently does not allow for involuntary admissions to cross state lines and patients may have to travel upwards of five hours away to receive care.

“This bill will give vulnerable patients access to a facility closer to their families and home towns,” said Halpin. “Allowing in-patient services across state lines will further integrate the Quad Cities and benefit residents on both sides of the river.”

Senate Bill 188 passed the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Halpin pushes bill to crack down on human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed a bill through committee Wednesday that would ensure businesses give their employees mandated human trafficking training.

“This legislation will allow local governments and local law enforcement to keep tabs on businesses to ensure they are giving their employees this crucial training,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We must do everything we can to make sure our communities are safe and combatting human trafficking is a top priority.”

Current law requires certain hotel, restaurant and truck stop employees to go through human trafficking recognition training. Halpin’s bill would allow local government and law enforcement to oversee and issues penalties to those establishments not in compliance with the law. Hotels, restaurants and truck stops are businesses that see a high propensity of human trafficking due to the nature of their business according to the U.S. State Department.

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Halpin: We must ensure Illinois remains a pillar of stability to its residents

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) released the following statement in response to the governor’s budget address Wednesday:

“Illinois is moving ahead with a balanced budget, but we need to remain vigilant. Fiscal responsibility must be emphasized, and we must make clear that the Rock Island region’s needs are as important as any other part of Illinois.”

“This budget year I will fight to protect and enhance higher education funding. We must also create incentives for affordable middle class housing in order to ease the financial burden on Illinois families. Protecting pensions remains a top priority of mine and I will also continue to support additional funding for K-12 schools.”

“I am encouraged by proposed funding increases to MAP Grants, money for our pension obligation, and shoring up the state’s rainy day fund.”

“With uncertainty and funding cuts coming from the federal government, Illinois cannot cut corners on essential programs for our most vulnerable. We must ensure Illinois remains a pillar of stability to its residents.”

Halpin to tackle flaws in the justice system on newly assigned task force

• Criminal Justice

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin has been appointed to the Community Based Corrections Task Force by Senate President Don Harmon.

“I am excited to work with community members and experts to create a justice system that fairly treats people with mental illness, addiction and other vulnerable folks while making our community safer,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This task force will enable us to create a holistic analysis and response to cracks in our justice system.”

The task force was created by legislation from Halpin, which was signed into law by the governor in 2024. The task force’s goals are to assess detention, rehabilitation alternatives and specialty courts in Illinois’ correctional system. Following these assessments, the task force will make recommendations and suggestions to the General Assembly based on their findings.

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