Tagged: illinois

The number of Illinois residents relying on food stamps and food banks is rising along with the state’s poverty rate.

An Illinois Senate committee has approved restrictions on semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.  The bills are now on their way to the full Senate. One measure bans the sale of semiautomatic handguns and rifles. People who already own such weapons can keep them, but they will have to register them. The second proposal would limit ammunition magazines to 10 or fewer rounds.

A new Illinois law is allowing some methamphetamine addicts to try treatment instead of serving prison time. Lawmakers say the new option could rehabilitate addicts and ease jail overcrowding. The law allows first-time offenders in possession of less than 15 grams of meth to take treatment. Massac County Sheriff Ted Holder tells WPSD the county’s jail is 30 percent overcrowded and that many inmates are there for minor drug offenses.

A new Illinois law that punishes adults who host parties with underage drinking at their home is taking effect Tuesday. The legislation makes it a Class A misdemeanor to host or allow gatherings where teenagers drink alcohol. Fines will be at least $500. It's a Class 4 felony if the underage drinking results in injury or death. Adults who discover minors drinking alcohol on their property won't be charged if they call the police to help put a stop to the party.

With its pension funds are the most underfunded in the U.S., and a shortfall approaching $100 billion, Illinois lawmakers will meet again next week in hopes of fixing the problem. Solutions other states adopted as long as five years ago are on the table. They include higher retirement ages, asking workers to contribute more and switching to 401(k)-style plans.