Welcome to Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin Legislative Website

Halpin moves to prevent exploitation of those needing guardianship

SPRINGFIELD – In order to protect those needing a guardianship, State Senator Mike Halpin has passed a bill through the Senate to prevent their exploitation.

“Illinois needs to ensure folks who require a guardian are not taken advantage of,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This legislation puts rules around who can be a private professional guardian so we ensure only qualified people are performing this important role.”

Halpin’s bill would provide multiple guardrails to ensure private professional guardians are qualified. These include having a personal meeting with the respondent prior to appointment, background checks, certifications, fee disclosures and financial management standards. The legislation would impose reporting obligations and allow for court removal due to noncompliance.

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Senator Halpin Chats With IL Farmer About SB 2842 - Stopping Eminent Domain Use for CO2 Pipelines

Halpin moves to protect student free speech on college campuses

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of fierce debate on the role of speech and protest on college campuses, and the federal government moving to influence university curriculum, State Senator Mike Halpin has pushed forward a bill to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions.

“We cannot allow pressures from the federal government or cynical political groups to suppress speech, free assembly and learning on our campuses,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “Higher education institutions serve the role of building knowledge and understanding of one another and teaching our young people how to tackle new ideas and skills. We need to protect the rights of students and faculty to ensure a safe, just and open learning environment for everyone.”

House Bill 4304 would protect the constitutional rights of students in higher education institutions and spell out further academic rights. These rights would include an inclusive and safe learning environment, accessibility, free expression and academic access, freedom of association and organization, peaceful protest, academic transparency, fair evaluation, educational records, protection of academic programs from political interference, career preparation, educational quality, due process, institutional accountability, financial transparency, refunds and withdrawals and right to transfer. 

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Halpin secures $69,600 for Potter’s Lake East boat launch

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin has secured grant funding to replace the boat launch on Potter’s Lake in Sunset Park.

“This funding is going toward practical upgrades on Lake Potter,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “I am glad to see an emphasis on safety and recreation with this project. Riverfront development is key to building Western Illinois’ economy, and projects like this not only bring jobs but benefit the whole community.”

The grant project will replace the existing courtesy dock at the east boat launch on Potter’s Lake in Sunset Park with a new disabled-accessible gangway and dock system. The dock will be designed to adjust to changing water levels for year-round use. Handrails will be installed to improve safety and accessibility for boating, fishing and other recreational activities.

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