A new guardianship law, signed by the governor today, will reduce guardianship battles for children by allowing them to remain with a named caretaker versus moving from one guardian to the next.

Under House Bill 5686, if parents name a godparent as a child’s short-term caretaker, then a third party, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle, wanting guardianship must prove the godparent is unfit.

Doctors seeking to improve patient care can soon use Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) to share vital patient health information, under legislation signed into law today.

The new law, which passed the General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support, authorizes doctors to use HIEs to improve their ability to treat patients. HIEs allow health care providers to share a patient’s personal health information electronically.

That small bar brawl ten years ago or that reckless college decision to streak across campus will no longer prevent residents from finding employment. On Monday, the governor signed a new law sealing misdemeanor records which will give reformed offenders a second chance.

"We should not let people’s past mistakes ruin their chances for gainful employment,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who worked with State Representative Rita Mayfield on the measure. “When former offenders cannot find a legal means to support themselves, they turn to crime. This law will end the cycle by sealing the records of misdemeanor offenses.”

Children, families and residents filled Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus to receive free health screenings before the new school year. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and the Institute for Positive Living hosted their 11th Annual Health, Fun & Fitness Fair last Saturday.

“Every year, the Institute for Positive Living and I host this fair to offer families free health services,” said Sen. Hunter. as she spoke to the crowd. “We understand the difficulties of affording regular doctor visits, receiving immunizations every year and buying expensive school supplies. This is why we wanted to give back to the community.”