SPRINGFIELD – To strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors, State Senator Laura Fine supported Karina’s Law to expedite the removal of firearms from individuals subject to emergency retraining orders.

“Families and their loved ones should feel  secure when requesting a civil order of protection, knowing it will ensure their abuser will no longer have access to firearms that could further place them at risk,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “Domestic violence-related shootings continue to rise with a 55% increase from 2023 to 2024, and we must protect our communities with tangible solutions.”

House Bill 4144, or Karina’s Law, would strengthen firearm removal requirements when domestic violence protection orders are issued. Under the bill, law enforcement would be required to remove firearms from individuals whose FOID cards are revoked due to emergency restraining orders within 96 hours of a judge’s order. This measure establishes clear guidelines for enforcement, ensuring consistent application statewide and addressing the risks posed by firearms in domestic violence situations.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in announcing the City of Evanston and Wilmette Park District will each receive $600,000 in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants to assist with ongoing improvements to recreational services.

“The OSLAD grant program continues to support local park districts in giving back to their communities,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “The investment into our local parks will allow more residents to enjoy the beautiful areas around the district.”

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that helps communities fund land acquisition and development for parks and outdoor recreation projects. It’s becoming one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $640 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure patients suffering from chronic pain receive recommended treatment, State Senator Laura Fine passed legislation to authorize physicians to prescribe controlled substances according to updated federal guidelines.

“To combat the opioid epidemic, in 2016 states instituted policies that severely restricted the prescribing of certain opioids," said Fine (D-Glenview). “As a result, chronic pain patients with a legitimate need for these medications were at risk of self-medicating and putting their mental and physical health in jeopardy.”

House Bill 5373 reflects new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain. The legislation would allow physicians to make necessary prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, without strict limitations based on dosage amounts except as provided under federal law.

SPRINGFIELD – Working with advocates for patients with chronic pain and the State Medical Society, State Senator Laura Fine advanced legislation authorizing prescribers to make chronic pain health treatment decisions for their patients. In 2016, states began instituting policies severely restricting the prescription of certain opioids, however, for some patients this is a life-saving treatment.

“Chronic pain patients who cannot access the proper treatments may turn to self-medicating with dangerous alternatives. These alternatives can put a patient's physical and mental health at risk,” said Fine (D-Glenview). “This initiative allows for healthcare professionals to make medical decisions based on their patient’s needs.”

House Bill 5373 reflects new guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain. The legislation allows physicians to make necessary prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, without strict limitations based on dosage amounts except as provided under federal law.