Hastings announces over $239,000 investment in Bicentennial Park project

FRANKFORT — Thanks to strong support from Michael E. Hastings, the Olympia Fields Park District received over $239,000 from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue ongoing improvements at Bicentennial Park.

“Last year we started with a $75,000 investment to get this project started,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This continued investment comes as great news to the residents of Olympia Fields looking for a safe and accessible place to gather and enjoy for years to come.”

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 become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since its establishment, OSLAD has awarded $675 million for park projects throughout Illinois.

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Hastings law modernizes missing persons investigations starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD — According to the Department of Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Illinois has 461 open missing persons cases. Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement will take a new approach to these cases, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“I teamed up with the Cook County Sherriff’s office to do a detailed review of how current law affects these investigations,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Through that review we were able to find areas where we can modernize and become more efficient.”

The new law eliminates any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The law also requires information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Law enforcement agencies will now adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, reporting and follow-up action.

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Hastings: A major step forward in modernizing our state

SPRINGFIELD ─ Illinois is entering a new era of innovation. This week, Illinois officially launched digital driver’s licenses and state identification cards, giving residents a secure, modern and convenient way to carry their credentials on their smartphones. As the chief sponsor and author of the legislation that made this advancement possible, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is proud to see this vision become a reality for Illinois families.

“This is about building a smarter, safer and more convenient future for the people of Illinois,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We set a bold goal, and through strong collaboration and leadership, we delivered.”

With this launch, Illinois residents with an iPhone can now add their state ID or driver’s license to the Apple Wallet. Support for Google and Samsung devices will follow in 2026.

Digital IDs offer:

• Greater convenience: Identity verification at airports, businesses and events becomes faster and easier.
• Stronger privacy: Share only what is necessary, such as verifying age without revealing your address.
• Enhanced security: Your mobile ID stays encrypted and under your control at all times.

This digital credential serves as a companion to your physical ID during the transition period.

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Hastings insurance reform legislation passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings advanced legislation designed to protect homeowners from excessive insurance rate increases and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability in Illinois homeowners insurance.

"With this legislation, we are putting fairness and accountability back into the system," said Hastings (D-Frankfort). "Here is what this means for Illinois homeowners — no more surprise renewals, no more fine print, no more ‘gotcha’ letters in the mail.”

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