McClure Advances Bipartisan Legislation

The Illinois Senate has approved two pieces of legislation from State Senator Steve McClure, including a measure aimed at protecting students from sexual assault and another intended to help patients get prescriptions filled when a pharmacy is out of stock.

Senate Bill 939, filed by McClure, R-Springfield, would require at least a one-year expulsion for any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school, or at a school-sponsored activity or event.

“This bill was inspired by shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appeared to be sweeping these incidents under the rug. Since I first filed this bill, we’ve continued to hear even more of these stories” said McClure. “Here’s what can’t be swept under the rug: the real pain caused by sexual violence and the real danger that a perpetrator of that kind of violence poses to victims, other students, and staff.”

School boards would still have the ability to review the punishment, but would be required to vote on how to handle the situation. Supporters said that requirement is intended to make it harder for schools to quietly dismiss or hide incidents of sexual assault.

“When a child is sexually assaulted at school, the priority must be protecting the victim and ensuring every student can learn in a safe environment,” said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), a chief cosponsor of the legislation. “Senate Bill 939 establishes clear consequences for violent behavior and gives schools stronger direction when these incidents occur. I’m proud to support this measure because no family should have to fear that a known offender will remain in the classroom after committing such a serious act.”

The legislation was proposed in response to an incident in McClure’s district involving a young girl who was sexually assaulted. According to the release, the attacker was not expelled or suspended, despite admitting to the offence. The victim’s mother, Ashley Peden, said she and her husband, Chad, repeatedly had to go to court to file orders of protection to protect their daughter.

“A year ago, I stood with Senator McClure to push for this change, but our bill didn’t make it across the finish line. In the meantime, kids across the state have been left to rely on so-called ‘safety plans’ that don’t actually keep anyone safe. I’m glad to see this important legislation is finally moving forward,” said Peden. “Senate Bill 939 recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims.”

Supporters said the measure would make consequences for student sexual assault similar to existing rules for students who bring deadly weapons to school. According to Illinois statutes cited by supporters, students who bring a dangerous weapon into a school are required to be expelled for one year.

“ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts to ensure schools recognize and respond to sexual assault, support survivors, and hold those accountable who commit such assaults. Senate Bill 939 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases in an effort to protect & support survivors and ensure the safety of all students,” said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

The Senate also approved Senate Bill 3213, another McClure-backed measure that would allow more types of prescriptions to be electronically transferred from one pharmacy to another.

Supporters said the change would help patients avoid delays when their original pharmacy does not have a medication available.

“This is a common-sense idea, to make sure people can get important medications that they need,” said Senator McClure. “If one pharmacy is out of a specific medication, they should be allowed to transfer that prescription to another pharmacy that can provide the important medicine to the patient.”

According to McClure, current Illinois law is more restrictive than federal law when it comes to which prescriptions can be transferred between pharmacies. The legislation would align Illinois law with federal law and allow those prescriptions to be transferred.

The issue can affect patients who arrive at a pharmacy only to learn their medication is out of stock. Under current restrictions, some patients may have to contact their doctor for a new prescription instead of having the prescription transferred to another pharmacy that has the medication available.

The idea for the bill was brought to McClure by a constituent who is a doctor.

Senate Bill 939 passed the Illinois Senate on May 7 with strong bipartisan support. Senate Bill 3213 passed the Senate unanimously and now awaits action in the House.