Hastings-backed gun storage safety measure passes House

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a critical public safety measure to strengthen gun storage standards in Illinois, ensuring firearms are securely stored and kept out of the hands of minors and individuals at risk. Hastings is working to strengthen Illinois’ safe storage laws and expand protections to help keep guns out of the hands of children, at-risk individuals and criminals.

“Far too many preventable tragedies have occurred for nothing to be done,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Safe gun storage will keep weapons out of the hands of criminals protect our children from a nightmare scenario.”

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Hastings supports organ donation leave for working people

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“Donating an organ is a beautiful and selfless act,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Workers need to be treated with respect, not punished, for becoming an organ donor.”

The bill allows eligible part-time workers to take up to 10 days of leave in a 12-month period to serve as organ donors. For part-time employees receiving compensation for their donation, employers must pay them based on their average daily pay over the previous two months of employment.

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Hastings supports legislation to lower prescription drug costs

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is supporting two significant pharmacy bills aimed at protecting patient access to pharmacies and health care services by hospitals engaged in the federal 340B program.

“Excessive and flat-out unfair prices are being set on prescription drugs with no accountability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I hear from the members of the community daily – they are sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick on their prescriptions.”

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Senate passes Hastings’ bill to ensure vet tech training

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings passed a measure to ensure anyone practicing as a veterinary technician is licensed and trained from an accredited program.

“Veterinary technicians are entrusted with the health and safety of our animals,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We love our pets, and this legislation would ensure our little loved ones are being taken care of by certified professionals.”

House Bill 3360 would require anyone referring to themselves as a veterinary technician to be licensed with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The bill would ensure veterinary technicians have graduated from an accredited program and passed the exam required for the license. The bill would also require vet techs to visibly display their license in their office.

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