Sangamon Sun

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Sally Turner aimed at protecting affordable housing for at-risk veterans has been signed into law. Senate Bill 39 exempts nonprofit-built tiny homes for homeless and at-risk veterans from Electric Vehicle (EV) charging requirements that could otherwise raise construction costs. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly before reaching the Governor, who signed it on August 15.

The 2023 Electric Vehicle Charging Act required new residential properties to include EV-capable infrastructure. For small nonprofits building affordable housing for veterans, these requirements posed financial challenges and could divert resources away from their mission. The new law ensures that such provisions do not apply to tiny homes constructed and funded by qualified nonprofit organizations like the Central Illinois Veterans Commission (CIVC), which is active in providing housing for homeless veterans in central Illinois.

State Senator Sally Turner said, "This law is about getting potentially burdensome governmental regulations out of the way of the people who are stepping up to serve our veterans."

Senator Turner was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois' 44th Senate District in 2021, succeeding Bill Brady.

In other news, Illinois residents have been warned about a phishing scam disguised as messages from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.” The scam uses alarming language, including terms like “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” attempting to steal personal and financial information. Some messages claim recipients owe traffic fines and face consequences if they do not respond.

Senator Turner advised caution: "Residents should be cautious and avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these messages." According to the Secretary of State’s office, it does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status; legitimate texts are limited to appointment reminders. Suspicious messages can be reported at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Additionally, Senator Turner and State Representative Regan Deering will host a free Youth Fishing Derby at Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton on Saturday, September 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event welcomes children of all ages with no fishing license required and offers free admission, refreshments, and prizes. Staff from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police will assist during the event.

For more details about the derby, residents may contact Senator Turner’s district office or Representative Deering’s office.