Sangamon Sun

State Senator Sally Turner’s legislation aimed at improving food safety for those with Celiac Disease has been signed into law in Illinois. The new measure, Senate Bill 1288, mandates that all food handlers in the state receive training on Celiac Disease and safe gluten-free food practices. It also increases allergen awareness by recognizing sesame as a major allergen and instructs food workers on the risks of gluten exposure.

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide. Those with the condition can experience harmful reactions from even small amounts of gluten. The required training will address symptoms of Celiac Disease, proper cleaning methods, preventing cross-contact, and accurate labeling of gluten-free foods.

Senate Bill 1288 passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously before being signed into law by the Governor on August 1.

In another development, Senate Republicans criticized Governor JB Pritzker’s recent statements on redistricting reform. They argued that he broke his campaign promise to support independent redistricting by signing maps drawn behind closed doors by Democratic lawmakers in 2021. "On the campaign trail, Pritzker pledged to support independent redistricting and veto gerrymandered maps, but once in office, he reversed course. In 2021, he signed partisan maps drawn in secret by Democratic lawmakers. Republicans say the maps were designed to protect Democratic control, not ensure fair representation."

"Critics say Pritzker is now faking outrage over fairness while inserting himself into redistricting debates out of state. After setting the standard for partisan manipulation in Illinois, they say his calls for fairness ring hollow and appear more focused on political advantage than principle."

"Republicans argue that if the rules only matter when his party benefits, it was never about voters or fairness. Instead of correcting the damage already done, Pritzker appears ready to double down. They say Illinois families deserve a transparent redistricting process, not more political games from Springfield."

Governor Pritzker also signed Senate Bill 8 last week. This new law reduces the time allowed for reporting a lost or stolen firearm from 72 hours to 48 hours starting January 1, 2026. Failure to report within this period may result in fines or loss of a FOID card; repeat offenses carry steeper penalties.

Senate Republicans have voiced concerns that this law penalizes responsible gun owners rather than addressing violent crime directly. State Senator Sally Turner stated: "State Senator Sally Turner argues that this new law is just another one-size-fits-all mandate that turns law-abiding citizens into offenders while failing to crack down on actual criminals."

Recent data from the Tax Foundation indicates Illinois has the highest property tax rate in the nation at an average effective rate of 1.83% in 2023—higher than neighboring states—which has contributed to residents leaving Illinois (https://taxfoundation.org/data/property-taxes/property-tax-rates-by-state-2023/). This ranking follows Governor J.B. Pritzker's approval of what is reported as Illinois’ largest state budget ever, which included nearly $1 billion in additional taxes and fees.

State Senator Sally Turner commented: "State Senator Sally Turner said the Governor’s agenda is crushing working families, piling even more taxes onto Illinoisans. Instead of making life more affordable by supporting Republican-backed property tax relief legislation, Pritzker and his allies are choosing to spend more, tax more, and ignore real reforms that could actually bring relief to homeowners."

Ahead of this year’s Illinois State Fair beginning August 7 and running through August 17 (https://www2.illinois.gov/statefair/Pages/default.aspx), officials have announced stricter security measures including expanded prohibited items such as firearms (including concealed carry), various weapons like knives and pepper spray, illegal substances, drones or laser pointers, fireworks or flammable materials; metal detectors and bag checks will be conducted at Grandstand entrances with limits placed on bag size.

Admission prices are set at $10 for adults Fridays and Saturdays ($5 Sunday through Thursday), $3 for seniors age sixty and older; children under twelve are admitted free.

August marks Emergency Management Awareness Month—a time dedicated to acknowledging emergency managers’ work preparing communities for disasters—and supporting recovery efforts after emergencies occur (https://www.iaem.org/).

Turner was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois' 44th Senate District after replacing former senator Bill Brady in 2021.