SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced legislation that aims to increase access to higher education by modernizing and removing barriers to student directory information. 

“By expanding access to student directory information, we can ensure that students are presented options and can make informed decisions about their future,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We want to keep Illinois students in Illinois for higher education, and this information will help.”

One of the key components of the legislation is expanding access to student directory information to public higher education institutions in Illinois. By Jan. 1, 2024, student directory information must be made available electronically through a secure centralized data system for official recruiting representatives of the armed forces of Illinois and the United States and to public higher education institutions in Illinois. This will allow colleges and universities to reach high school students more effectively, at a lower cost, and inform them of educational and career opportunities for their school.

Currently, a school board can provide student directory information including a student's name, address and telephone number to official recruiting representatives of the armed forces of Illinois and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities. House Bill 3759 expands this by allowing school boards to provide student directory information to institutions of higher education for the purposes of informing students of educational and career opportunities for their school.

“The goal of the legislation is to get more information about in-state universities to high school students in Illinois,” said Halpin.

House Bill 3759 advanced through the Senate Higher Education Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mike Halpin passed a measure through the Senate aimed at creating incentives to recruit much-needed emergency medical technicians in Illinois fire departments.

“Now that we’ve gotten this passed, we need to ensure the money is appropriated in this year’s budget,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I look forward to working with Senator Anderson to get it done.”

Senate Bill 1750 would require the board of trustees of a fire protection district to reimburse the mandatory training expenses of EMTs, EMT-Is, A-EMTs or paramedics who are employed by or under contract with the district. The mandatory training expenses would be covered by a state-funded program.

EMTs are essential first responders in emergency situations and are often the first point of contact for patients. However, many fire departments in Illinois are struggling to recruit and retain EMTs due to the high cost of training and certification. Senate Bill 1750 would provide a much-needed incentive for candidates to pursue a career in emergency medical services and help ensure that fire departments have the necessary personnel to respond to emergencies and save lives.

Senate Bill 1750 passed the Senate and awaits further action in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin’s legislation creating the Rock Island Regional Port District passed the Senate on Thursday.

"There’s nothing more rewarding than passing legislation that helps our local community," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation is another tool for economic growth in the City of Rock Island."

The establishment of the Rock Island Regional Port District aligns with the goal of encouraging the use of waterways to efficiently transport goods and provide for economies of scale. The Port District will also boost recreation and tourism activities along the river. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be the twentieth public port district in Illinois, joining the likes of the Waukegan Port District and the Illinois International Port District.

The Rock Island Regional Port District will have bonding authority, which will help finance projects that assist with transportation. Port districts can issue permits for wharves, piers, dolphins, booms, weirs, breakwaters, bulkheads, jetties and bridges. The Rock Island Regional Port District will be established within the limits of the City of Rock Island, with the Rock Island City Council serving as the governing and administrative body of the district.

Senate Bill 1897 passed the full Senate and awaits further consideration before the House.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin advanced the Improving Access to Flood Insurance Act through the Senate Insurance Committee this week to address the need for better education on flood insurance among insurance advisors and lenders.

"With the increasing frequency and severity of floods, it is crucial that consumers have access to accurate information about flood insurance,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation will ensure that insurance advisors and lenders have the necessary knowledge to provide reliable guidance to their clients."

The legislation requires insurance producers, brokers, public adjusters, and employees of lenders to participate in a three-hour National Flood Insurance Training Program in order to maintain their licenses. The National Flood Insurance Training Program will cover topics such as flood insurance policies, coverage limitations, claims handling, and the roles and responsibilities of insurance producers, brokers, and public adjusters in the flood insurance market. The training will be available online and will be required for license renewals starting January 1, 2024.

The Improving Access to Flood Insurance Act has received support from a broad coalition of consumer advocates, insurance industry representatives, and government officials. The passage of the legislation will lead to responsible development and reliable guidance on flood risks, especially for residents looking to buy a home near any of Illinois’ beautiful waterways.

Senate Bill 2417 advanced through the Senate Insurance Committee and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.