Hastings’ measure to fight catalytic convertor theft now law

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ measure to provide vehicle owners with a defense against the rise in theft of catalytic convertors was signed into law on Friday. 

“This law will provide drivers with another line of defense to make it difficult for those stealing catalytic converters to profit off the illegal sale of these parts,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Our hope is this measure will discourage bad actors and end these crimes from occurring in our communities.”

Hastings’ measure, House Bill 4589, will require recyclable metal dealers to keep records of the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the catalytic converter was removed and any numbers, bar codes, stickers, or other unique markings of the catalytic convertor.

It will also require them to obtain and retain a copy of the certificate of title or uniform invoice showing the seller's ownership of the vehicle in transactions involving catalytic convertors.

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Hastings’ new law will ease childcare shortages for military families

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois military families will soon have an easier time finding childcare, thanks to a new law sponsored by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“Our military personnel put their lives on the line to keep our great state safe – it is vital that they can assure their children are being well taken care of,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “By eliminating red tape and streamlining this bureaucratic process, we will improve access to military childcare and reducing waitlists.”

Hastings’ House Bill 5596 will create an exemption from licensure for daycare homes and group daycare homes serving children of military personnel if the daycare is located on a military base or federal property and is certified as a child development program by a brand of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S Coast Guard.

Previously in Illinois, the Defense Department-certified military family childcare providers were also required to licensed or registered by the state when caring for DoD children. By recognizing military family childcare certification instead of requiring state licensing, Hastings believes it will be easier for these already accredited facilities to support military personnel in their search for responsible and reliable childcare.

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Insurance to cover medically-recommended IVF thanks to Hastings

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings has paved the way for Illinois families to have greater access to medically-prescribed infertility treatments.

“Without in vitro fertilization, I wouldn’t be the proud father I am today,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I have felt the all-too-common stress and heartbreak of infertility. It’s past time to take bureaucracy out of health care.”

Found within Senate Bill 773, Hastings championed a plan to ensure insurance companies provide coverage for infertility treatments that are recommended by a physician without requiring them to complete treatments that were deemed ineffective by their doctor.

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Hastings secures grant to allow Together We Cope to resume operation

TINLEY PARK – Thanks for a $250,000 state grant secured by State Senator Michael E. Hastings, Together We Cope, a vital nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in temporary crisis, will be fully operational by the end of July.

"Together We Cope is a cornerstone of support for families facing unexpected challenges. Ensuring their full operational capacity means countless individuals will continue to receive the crucial assistance they need to regain stability,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “I am proud to have played a part in supporting such an essential organization."

This exciting development comes following a shortfall in insurance proceeds needed to cover essential repairs.

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