SPRINGFIELD – Patients with breast cancer will soon see expanded navigation services through the Department of Public Health thanks to new funding from special license plates under a law sponsored by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel.

“Survivors of breast cancer deserve the best possible care we can provide,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These special license plates will ensure that the Department of Public Health has the necessary funds to help survivors connect with the services and care they need.”

Under current law, revenue from special mammogram license plates is used to provide grants to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. House Bill 5026 redirects those funds to the Department of Public Health to expand patient navigation services under their Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.

House Bill 5026 was signed on Friday and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) championed a new law requiring public water supply operators to notify all health care facilities served by the public water supply of a water disruption event.

“The loss of clean water can create a dangerous environment for patients at hospitals and other health care facilities,” Loughran Cappel said. “Since Legionnaire’s disease can thrive in water pipes, it’s vital that we take preventative measures so the illness isn’t contracted and spread in the case of a water disruption event.”

Under Loughran Cappel’s law, water supply operators must send notices between 15 and 30 days before any planned water supply disruption event or within two hours after any unplanned disruption event to health care facilities, as well as to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Public Health. Operators must also post a notice on their website or social media page, if one exists.

While health care facilities have water management plans already in place to mitigate issues such as legionella bacteria, knowing about water supply disruptions on a timely basis makes mitigation processes more effective in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

“It’s important to enforce these notices so we can prevent legionella bacteria in the water pipes of hospitals,” Loughran Cappel said. “This new law will ensure there is a plan in place at our health care facilities in case of a water disruption.”

The law, originally House Bill 4988, was signed Friday and takes effect immediately.

JOLIET – Last year alone, more carjackings were reported in Chicago than in any other city. To address the increase in car thefts and hijackings, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel supported proposals that were signed into law Thursday.

According to a January report from CNN, cities around the country have seen an increase in the rate of carjackings. More than 1,800 carjackings were reported in Chicago last year, according to data released by police departments to CNN.

“Carjackings have skyrocketed in our neighborhoods and people fear that they will be the next victim,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “These new laws will help fight this crisis and ease some of the emotional stresses associated with it.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded a measure to add a council within the Children’s Mental Health Partnership in Illinois that was signed into law Wednesday.

“Many parents of children with mental disabilities need to reach out to agencies for support or information,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Agencies that work with children with mental disabilities deserve the opportunity to collaborate, so that the process is more accessible to parents.” 

Loughran Cappel worked directly with a concerned constituent who was struggling with this issue to craft the legislation. Under the new law, the council will look for ways to expand the available beds in the state, make it easier for out-of-state residential facilities to be approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, and offer recommendations on how the state can provide better support for children with mental health issues in an annual report to the governor and General Assembly.