SPRINGFIELD – A potential gap in the protection of abused minors would be closed under a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) which passed out of a Senate committee today.

“This adjusts an existing statute that, under specific circumstances, has left abuse survivors with no options for justice in the past,” Fine said. “This problem arises from situations when a survivor of abuse turns 18 between the incident and the court date. It’s an accident of timing that has let predators walk away clean and it’s unacceptable. I’m happy to help close a loophole that harms a minor who is a survivor of abuse.”

Senate Bill 1116 corrects nuances in the language of the law that currently leave open the potential for an instance of abuse to never be brought to trial if the abuse survivor’s 18^th birthday falls between the filing of the charges and the scheduled court date. While unlikely, it has happened in the past in rare circumstances. SB1116 closes the loophole and allows the cases to be heard in court, even if the minor comes of age.

The measure passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will proceed to the full Senate for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) released the following statement after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill increasing the minimum wage in Illinois to $15 by 2025:

“I’m proud of the Governor for moving so quickly to finally finish what we’ve been working on in the Senate for years. Working class families have deserved fairer compensation for the work they do for years, and I’m honored to have been a part of the process allowing that to happen.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) voted Thursday to increase the pay of minimum wage workers across Illinois.

“Wages have been stagnant for nearly a decade, but the cost of living certainly has not, and minimum wage workers have struggled to keep up,” Fine said. “This has been going on for far too long, and I’m proud to have helped the Senate pass this important legislation that will help so many people throughout the state.”

The current minimum wage is $8.25 per hour. The proposed wage increase would be phased in gradually over the next several years:

• $9.25 per hour on Jan. 1, 2020
• $10 per hour on July 1, 2020
• $11 per hour on Jan. 1, 2021
• $12 per hour on Jan. 1, 2022
• $13 per hour on Jan. 1, 2023
• $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2024
• $15 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2025

The legislation, Senate Bill 1, will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

GLENVIEW – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) applauded the signing of a bill meant to stem the tide of illegal firearms trafficking in Illinois, calling the new law an important step toward sensible gun reform.

“This law provides a responsible solution to the gun safety issues that plague the state and the country,” Fine said. “Governor Pritzker’s action today to approve this Senate initiative is a welcome change.”

The Gun Dealer Licensing Act requires federally certified gun sellers to also receive certification from the Illinois State Police. Gun dealers must also train employees on how to conduct background checks and properly store and secure firearms to prevent theft.

The goal of the law is to help curb a major source of illegally trafficked guns.

“I was proud to vote for this measure as a member of the Illinois House, and I want to thank the Governor for taking the necessary action to protect the people of Illinois,” Fine said. “We have known the scope of this problem for years, and Illinoisans have clearly called for sensible gun reform. I’m excited that it has finally been delivered.”

The legislation was Senate Bill 337. The new law is effective immediately