Halpin law to protect survivors of stalking, harassment

SPRINGFIELD – Survivors of stalking face many forms of emotional distress and harassment. In order to protect innocent people from harassment, State Senator Mike Halpin’s measure to define emotionally distressing harassment as stalking was signed into law Friday.

“Stalkers often use purposefully emotionally distressing behavior to throw survivors off balance and bring pain into their lives,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “By harassing a survivor at their workplace, home, school or in their vehicle, a perpetrator is utilizing fear and embarrassment to intimidate and coerce a survivor.”

The law will bolster the legal definition of stalking to include harassment that causes emotional distress while more clearly defining emotionally distressing harassment. These types of conduct include creating a disturbance at the petitioner's place of employment or school, repeatedly telephoning the petitioner's place of employment, home, or residence, continuing to follow the petitioner about in a public place or places, among other items.

According to a study by the NCVRW, stalking is often under-identified by the justice system and under-reported by survivors. Stalking is also a concerning issue on college campuses, with 18-24 year olds experiencing the highest stalking rates, women and minority college students being at a higher risk and 41% of undergraduate students having experienced tech-facilitated stalking according to the University of Illinois.

“Illinoisans have a right to feel safe and secure as they go throughout their day. We cannot tolerate any kind of harassing behavior in our state,” said Halpin. “Stalkers will go to great lengths to get what they want and our government is going to great lengths to stop them.”

House Bill 2873 is effective immediately.

Halpin secures $11.3 million for Western Illinois school districts

Rock Island – Thanks to State Senator Mike Halpin’s years-long advocacy for evidence based funding for K-12 schools, Illinois will be awarding an additional $11 million to Western Illinois schools.

“Evidence based funding is one of the true bright spots we have accomplished here in Illinois,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Our schools are the key to a healthy community and a bright future. We are making sure our state dollars are put to work aiding the schools that need it most.”

Passed in 2017, Halpin has remained a staunch advocate for evidence based funding as a way to create a targeted and equitable funding model to support K-12 education. The law makes funding more equitable by providing state revenue based on individual school district need. Several factors are considered, key elements include poverty rate, enrollment, special education and English language learners among others.

These Western Illinois school districts will receive evidence based funding this coming fiscal year:

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Halpin integrates Quad Cities’ mental health system

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to bolster interstate mental health access and support Rock Island mental facilities was signed into law Friday.

“Neighbors look out for each other when times get tough,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Allowing involuntary inpatient Iowans to use Rock Island mental health infrastructure will ensure they receive quality care close to home.”

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

“This law gives these vulnerable Iowan patients access to the care they need closer to their families and hometowns,” said Halpin. “By removing this barrier Illinois is showing its commitment to mental health care while bringing benefits to residents on both sides of the Mississippi.”

Senate Bill 188 is effective immediately.

Halpin law to protect homeowners against unfair contractors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to guarantee attorney’s fees to defendants in a home repair or remodeling contract has been signed into law.

“Homeowners deserve fair compensation and quality representation if they have a genuine dispute and receive a favorable ruling,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law ensures a resident will have one less cost barrier to enforce their rights against a contractor.”

State law already required consumer contracts in cases under $10,000 to pay out attorney’s fees to a consumer if the consumer prevails in their action. This initiative will ensure that if a home repair and remodeling contract allows attorney’s fees, then the contract will permit the award of attorney’s fees to all parties in the contract.

“This law is leveling the playing field in the court room for defendants and ensures they are properly compensated,” said Halpin. “No one should be intimidated by cost when seeking justice.”

House Bill 24 was signed into law August 1 and is effective immediately.