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.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations.

“When you believe a loved one has gone missing, you need action taken without hesitation,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Eliminating the waiting period and utilizing national databases will give families peace of mind and give law enforcement more tools in the search.”

Senate Bill 24 would eliminate any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The bill would also require information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Under the measure, law enforcement agencies must adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, reporting and follow-up action.

FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced today that his advocacy efforts have led to the successful award of a $1.6 million grant to fund the construction of a new multi-use path in the Village of Frankfort. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“This investment is a win for the Village of Frankfort and for families across our region,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Safe, accessible infrastructure is key to building stronger, healthier communities. I’m proud to have helped secure this funding and to see this long-awaited project moving forward.”

The project will construct a 1.5-mile, 10-foot wide multi-use path that enhances safety, accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in the Frankfort area. The path will begin at Pfeiffer Road and Sauk Trail, extend south along the east side of Pfeiffer Road for half a mile to Laraway Road, and continue east along the north side of Laraway Road for one mile to 80^th Avenue.

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Michael E. Hastings and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office are working to improve Illinois’ policy regarding missing persons investigations.

“In missing persons cases, every second and small piece of information is paramount,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This legislation works to give law enforcement effective strategies and protocols to solve cases and save lives.”

Senate Bill 24 would eliminate any law enforcement policy requiring the observance of a waiting period before accepting a missing persons report. The bill would also require information from a missing persons report to be immediately entered into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System upon reception of a report. Under the measure, law enforcement agencies must adopt a strategy regarding missing persons investigations, missing person reporting and follow-up action.