Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
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Privately held nature sites throughout Illinois expected to reopen

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Category: News
Friday, August 23, 2013 03:40 PM

New law frees landowners from fear of lawsuits

OAK PARK – For years, Illinois landowners were able to let people onto their land, free of charge, to enjoy rivers, lakes, forest, cliffs, canyons and other natural wonders. A 2005 court decision changed all that. It said that you could be held legally responsible for anyone on your land. Prompted by the possibility of lawsuits, the owners of many popular outdoor areas closed up shop.

All that is set to change now, due to a new law that reverses the 2005 decision and frees landowners from fear of lawsuits. Natural sites throughout the state will reopen for climbers, kayakers, bird watchers, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts.

“The sad fact is that both the state and federal government have been forced to cut back conservation spending,” said State Senator Don Harmon, the Oak Park Democrat who sponsored the law. “It’s more important than ever to allow generous landowners and non-profit groups to provide the public access to our state’s beautiful natural spaces.”

Read more: Privately held nature sites throughout Illinois expected to reopen

Harmon: New law will protect mothers of children conceived by rape

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Category: News
Monday, August 19, 2013 09:52 AM

052813br0228WOAK PARK – A new law sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) will ensure that victims of rape who choose to carry a child to term don’t have to share parental rights with the men who raped them.

“Rape is a terrible, traumatic experience. When a victim of rape conceives a child and is brave enough to carry the baby to term, she shouldn’t have to worry about the man who attacked her seeking parental rights,” Harmon said.

The new law, originally House Bill 3128, establishes that rapists and their families are not entitled to visitation, custody or inheritance rights. It also gives the mother the right to refuse child support.

Read more: Harmon: New law will protect mothers of children conceived by rape

Harmon cracks down on rogue pawnshops

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Category: News
Friday, August 16, 2013 10:19 AM

051613br0159rSPRINGFIELD – A new law co-sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) will crack down on pawnshops that break the law that regulates pawnshops.

“Given all the controversy we’ve seen over the new pawnshop on North Avenue in Austin, I want to make sure that neighborhood concerns are addressed by ensuring that pawnshops operate within the letter of law,” Harmon said. “We need to make sure that no pawnshops in Illinois take advantage of people or attract unwanted traffic.”

The law will increase the maximum civil penalty on pawnshop owners who break the law that regulates pawnshops from $1,000 per day to $10,000 per day. The new law is supported by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which oversees pawnshop licenses.

Read more: Harmon cracks down on rogue pawnshops

Harmon’s online voter registration plan becomes law

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Category: News
Monday, July 29, 2013 02:20 PM

Sen. Harmon presides over Executive Committee

CHICAGO – Thanks to State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Illinois citizens will soon be able to register to vote and request absentee ballots online.

"We can strengthen our democracy by making it easier to vote," Harmon said. "We can pay our bills online, shop online, even control your home air conditioner over the Internet. In the 21st Century, you should be able to register to vote online.

"We also keep trying to find ways to save our cash-strapped state money. This is an easy way. Processing a paper registration costs 83 cents. Processing an online application costs 3 cents."

Harmon’s plan, House Bill 2418, not only allows voters to register online, but it also allows election authorities to send notices using email, establishes more voter-friendly early voting hours, allows voters to request absentee ballots online and more.

Each measure has careful safeguards to prevent voter fraud and electoral abuses.

Read more: Harmon’s online voter registration plan becomes law

Harmon issues statement on his concerns with Illinois’ concealed carry law

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Category: News
Tuesday, July 09, 2013 04:48 PM

041113 js 0224rSPRINGFIELD, IL - State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement in response to the General Assembly’s vote to override Governor Quinn’s veto of a law to allow Illinois residents to carry concealed weapons that passed earlier this year.

In May, the General Assembly passed House Bill 183 after a federal court mandated the implementation of a concealed carry law. Senator Harmon voted against this legislation in May, as he felt it contained inadeqaute provisions to protect public safety.

Harmon supported the changes contained in the governor’s veto and opposed the underlying law.

Read more: Harmon issues statement on his concerns with Illinois’ concealed carry law

More Articles …

  1. Harmon responds to Supreme Court decision on DOMA, Prop 8
  2. Newsletter - June 6
  3. Harmon refuses food and lodging reimbursement for special session
  4. Harmon’s online voter registration legislation passes Senate
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Contact Me

Email President Harmon

Springfield Office:
309-G Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(p) 217.782.8176

Oak Park Office:
6941 W. North Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(p) 708.848.2002

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