“Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more. – Sen. Emil Jones III

CHICAGO – Today, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago) saw legislation he sponsored signed into law. The new law creates restrictions to prevent reckless driving during funeral processions.

“Funerals are a time for loved ones to celebrate the life of the deceased,” Jones said. “I don’t know how we got to this point in our culture when a law needs to be in place for us to respect the lives of those killed by reckless gang violence.”

Last September, the Chicago Tribune offered a telling exposé of this issue, detailing the irresponsible weaving in and out of traffic lanes, blaring music and gang signs/gestures thrown out of car windows accompanying memorials for deceased gang members.

“This measure protects grieving mothers and fathers while morning the loss of their loved one,” Jones said. “Losing a loved one is a stressful emotional situation, and reckless irresponsibility only makes the victims family and friends suffer more.”

Residents of the South Side communities of Mount Greenwood and Beverly have been particularly vocal in expressing their concern for public safety and frustration with these reckless memorials for late gang members.

The new law takes effect immediately.

Chicago – Each day nearly 3 million men and women in Illinois are denied decent employment and housing due to prior convictions. Today, legislation supported by Senator Emil Jones III was signed into law that allows the courts to seal criminal records for eight non-violent offences. Current law and practices prevent hardworking, law abiding individuals the chance to move forward from past mistakes.

“Too often when a court hands down a two-year or three-year sentence, society permanently stamps that ex-offender as criminal,” State Senator Emil Jones said. “A fair criminal justice system is based on the premise that when you commit a crime, you pay your debt to society, and once you’ve done your time, you can start over.”

“Legislation like this that calls for greater transparency and accountability on the part of reloadable card service providers is going to help us realize this much needed change for consumers.” – Sen. Emil Jones III

SPRINGFIELD – Another victory for consumer protection, State Sen. Emil Jones III (D–Chicago) saw his measure establishing substantive prepaid, reloadable card disclosures receive the approval of the General Assembly.  

Jones’ legislation subjects prepaid, reloadable credit cards and their providers to substantive disclosure regulations regarding all associated fees and service charges.

“Currently prepaid credit cards and their distributors are not made to adhere to sufficient disclosure stipulations,” Jones said. “They are not being held adequately responsible to clients. Legislation like this that calls for greater transparency and accountability on the part of reloadable card service providers is going to help us realize this much needed change for consumers.”

Reloadable, prepaid credit cards were exempted from the disclosure requirements of 2009’s federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure or “CARD” Act. Senate Bill 1829 establishes a standard set of disclosures for consumers to receive from credit card companies or issuers upon purchase of a prepaid, reloadable credit card.

The disclosure regulations would inform consumers of any maintenance fees accompanying the prepaid credit card and its use, charges associated with receiving cash, reloading fees and costs of establishing service.

The House of Representatives additionally offered an amendment that expanded upon the legislation’s original language regarding disclosure standards and requirements. 

SB 1829 was concurred upon by the Senate and the House and now, having received the approval of both chambers of the legislature, moves to Gov. Pat Quinn for his consideration.