SPRINGFIELD – With support from State Senator Patrick Joyce, two new laws will protect consumers from shady business practices and promote transparency.

“The goal of these new laws is to protect small businesses and consumers,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Keeping our stores and delivery services transparent about pricing will ensure that consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.”

While retailers provide notice of discounts through various methods such as receipts, in-store promotions, advertisements, and price tags, there is nothing written in Illinois law concerning how prices and discounts are displayed during checkout. To ensure shoppers receive their discount, Joyce supported House Bill 2910 to require supermarkets to show both the regular and sale prices of items as they are rung up.

Another measure supported by Senator Joyce is House Bill 3205, also known as the Fair Food and Retail Delivery Act, which prohibits third party delivery companies from posting a menu, registered trademark or any intellectual property without the express written consent of restaurants, bars and retail establishments.

The law bans third-party delivery services from listing non-partnered restaurants or retailers on their platform. Several reports indicate delivery services have listed menus and items without the knowledge or consent of the restaurant or retailer.

“Illinois is committed to helping the small businesses community,” Joyce said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and provide much-needed economic growth.”

House Bill 3205 takes effect Jan. 1, 2023 and House Bill 2910 takes effect immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to provide people with better options to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Patrick Joyce supported a law signed on Friday to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, and many people can become addicted without even realizing it,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “Establishing a statewide drug take-back program provides options to safely dispose of prescription drugs and helps educate the public on the associated risks.”

While some counties in Illinois have already established similar programs, there is no statewide system in place that safely collects and disposes of medications, leaving some counties without a secure way to dispose of prescription substances.

Because of this, people may become addicted to opioids found sitting in their or their family’s medicine cabinets. Additionally, giving people an option to safely dispose of their unused medications rather than flushing them down the toilet or drain will prevent these substances from entering waterways and harming the ecosystem.

“This new law will protect our children and help prevent residents from forming addictions by giving people an option to dispose of prescription drugs,” Joyce said.

House Bill 1780 is now law and is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – A Senator Patrick Joyce and Representative Fran Hurley measure to give taxpayers more opportunities to provide support and resources to first responders was signed into law Friday. 

“First responders put their lives on the line for our community and we should have an easier option to give back,” said Joyce (D-Essex).

House Bill 4161 aims to increase donations to the 100 Club of Illinois by making a convenient donation option on individual state income tax returns. The 100 Club of Illinois is a nonprofit that provides resources, financial support, training and moral support to both the families of first responders killed in the line of duty and active duty first responders. All sworn federal, state, county and local first responders stationed in Illinois are included.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinoisans will now have more access to mental and behavioral health specialists thanks to a law signed Friday supported by State Senator Patrick Joyce.

“This new law provides more access to mental health treatment,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The aim is to break down barriers so people can get care when they need it.” 

In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents. Many people are forced to wait longer for essential treatment or forego health care entirely because of this gap. This can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being.

To address these issues, the new law focuses on expanding the current workforce. It accelerates the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois, as well as streamlines requirements for social workers, professional counselors, and clinical psychologists with licenses that have been inactive for five years. Additionally, it includes initiatives to support diversity in the mental health field, establishes tax credits, and includes provisions to improve quality and access to care for those seeking assistance.

The law, filed under Senate Bill 3617, takes effect immediately.