Senator Chesney Adds Two More IPASS Events to End-of-Year Outreach Calendar
My office will be ending the year strong with six outreach events scheduled before the end of the year. I have arranged for a mobile team from the Illinois Tollway to come to the 45th District for five separate IPASS on Demand events. The first of these events takes place this week on Thursday, November 7 in Rockton, and Rockton Mayor John Peterson will be serving as a co-host of the event.
IPASS on Demand in Rockton
Thursday, November 7
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rockton American Legion
221 West Main Street, Rockton
Other IPASS on Demand events are scheduled on the following dates:
- December 2 in Freeport
- December 3 in Machesney Park
- December 9 in Galena
- December 16 in Kirkland
The Tollway is phasing out plastic transponders and replacing them with stickers. While traditional transponders will continue to work through the expiration date on each unit, these IPASS on Demand events allow people to make the switch quickly and conveniently, and without any disruption to their IPASS account or activity. There is no fee for switching over to the sticker technology and IPASS balances will be transferred to the new account. Additionally, attendees should jot down their license plate number if they are not bringing in their plastic 
transponder.
The other event that will round out the 2024 events calendar is a Pet Adoption Fair, scheduled for Saturday, December 14 in Freeport. I will be partnering with the Friends Forever Humane Society and will help highlight animals that are available for adoption with hopes of connection people with new pets from the shelter.
Those who attend the event will be able to meet dogs and cats that are looking for forever homes and begin the adoption process. The Friends Forever Humane Society is located at 966 A. Rudy Road in Freeport, and the adoption fair will be held from Noon until 2:30 PM. Those with questions about this event are encouraged to call my district office at (815) 232-0774.
Lawmakers Call for Urgent Changes to SAFE-T Act After Release of Suspect in Fentanyl Bust
In a case that has shocked many in nearby Grundy County, local authorities recently arrested two Honduran nationals found in possession of 3 kilograms of fentanyl—an amount so deadly it could kill 1.5 million people. Yet, within 48 hours of the arrest, one of the suspects walked free, leading to urgent calls from lawmakers to change state law to keep communities safe.
The arrests immediately triggered a pre-trial release hearing, mandated to occur within 48 hours under the SAFE-T Act. During the hearing, the Grundy County State’s Attorney sought to detain both suspects due to the severity of the charges. While one suspect was held, the other individual was released because officials were unable to access his criminal history within the narrow 48-hour window.
Shortly after the man’s release, authorities in California informed Grundy County officials that the released suspect had a juvenile criminal record. Had this information been available during the hearing, it could have strengthened the case for detention. This delay in obtaining critical background information has raised concerns about weaknesses in the SAFE-T Act, which critics argue limits the time law enforcement and prosecutors have to gather necessary evidence before making release decisions.
Now, lawmakers are pushing to change the SAFE-T Act, specifically targeting the 48-hour pre-trial release hearing requirement. Among the legislative changes under consideration is a proposal to classify Class X felony fentanyl charges as detainable by default, shifting the responsibility onto defendants to prove their eligibility for pre-trial release, rather than placing the burden on the State’s Attorney or judge.
With fentanyl continuing to endanger communities across Illinois, there is an urgency for reform. Our law enforcement needs the time and authority to make informed decisions for the safety of our communities. Lawmakers are now pushing for reforms to ensure authorities have the tools necessary to respond effectively to the escalating threat posed by fentanyl.
Veto Session Set to Begin
The Illinois General Assembly’s annual Fall Veto Session is approaching, scheduled for November 12-14 and November 19-21. While traditionally focused on addressing legislation vetoed by the Governor, this year there are no vetoes on the agenda. However, the Veto Session also provides an opportunity to revisit legislative items that were left unresolved or not addressed during the spring session.
If lawmakers decide to introduce new bills or reconsider previously unpassed legislation, they will need a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers for immediate effect.
