Hirschauer Pushes Expanded Emergency Preparedness for Teachers

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is continuing her efforts to
make classrooms safer, advancing a new bill to ensure more teachers are prepared to prioritize
student safety in an emergency situation.

“My work in Springfield is rooted in the kitchen table issues discussed in my neighborhood
every night. Parents, teachers and students alike are more fearful than ever to attend school
without the thought of ‘Will I be safe today?’ This bill reflects a serious effort to close gaps we
see locally that will have an impact statewide, ensuring every community, school, and student
feels seen and protected.”

Hirschauer passed House Bill 1787 out of the Education Policy Committee last week, ensuring
substitute teachers and semi-permanent educators receive the same lockdown and emergency
preparedness training as full-time teachers. As a former teacher and champion of commonsense
gun safety laws, Hirschauer developed this measure in coordination with Moms Demand Action
in order to continue developing a more comprehensive approach to student safety.

“I’m a staunch advocate for protecting our schools, and this measure is another way we can
prioritize our students’ safety,” said Hirschauer. “I’ll continue to work towards policies that
intersect the dangers of firearms, children, and schools because our kids deserve to enjoy the
same safety that we once did when we were growing up.”

Hirschauer Impulsa la Ampliación de la Preparación Para Emergencias Para los Maestros.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, continúa sus esfuerzos para hacer las aulas más seguras, promoviendo un nuevo proyecto de ley para asegurar que más maestros estén preparados para priorizar la seguridad de los estudiantes en una situación de emergencia.

“Mi trabajo en Springfield está basado en los temas de la mesa de cocina que se discuten todas las noches en mi vecindario. Padres, maestros y estudiantes están más temerosos que nunca de asistir a la escuela sin la pregunta de ‘¿Estaré seguro hoy?’ Este proyecto de ley refleja un esfuerzo serio para cerrar las brechas que vemos localmente, lo que tendrá un impacto a nivel estatal, asegurando que cada comunidad, escuela y estudiante se sienta visto y protegido.”

Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1787 en el Comité de Política Educativa la semana pasada, asegurando que los maestros sustitutos y los educadores semi-permanentes reciban la misma capacitación en medidas de emergencia y cierre que los maestros de tiempo completo. Como exmaestra y defensora de las leyes sensatas de seguridad con armas, Hirschauer desarrolló esta medida en coordinación con Moms Demand Action para continuar desarrollando un enfoque más integral sobre la seguridad estudiantil.

“Soy una defensora firme de la protección de nuestras escuelas, y esta medida es otra forma de priorizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes”, dijo Hirschauer. “Continuaré trabajando hacia políticas que aborden los peligros de las armas de fuego, los niños y las escuelas, porque nuestros hijos merecen disfrutar de la misma seguridad que tuvimos nosotros cuando crecíamos.”

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Representative Hirschauer Advances Bill Recognizing Missing Soldiers, Support for Veteran Families

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aiming to pay tribute to past servicemen and women who never returned
home, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is working to create a new observance honoring
missing soldiers, prisoners of war and veteran families experiencing grief.

“This measure is a small but powerful way to ensure we never forget the sacrifices of those who
never came home, and the loved ones who continue to grieve their absence,” said Hirschauer.
Hirschauer passed House Bill 1312 out of the State Government Administration Committee with
bipartisan support. Her bill would designate the third Friday of September of each year as
POW/MIA Recognition Day in honor of missing service members and families of prisoners of
war (POW) and those missing in action (MIA).

The measure specifically calls on the governor to request a portion of the day be dedicated to
personal reflection on the challenging circumstances of POWs and MIA members of the U.S.
armed forces, encouraging all Illinoisans to reflect on these soldiers’ services.

“By formally recognizing this day, we urge the governor and all Illinoisans to reflect on the
courage of these individuals and the pain endured by their families and loved ones,” said
Hirschauer. “I am honored to bring this legislation in front of our chamber’s body to reflect our
state’s unwavering support for those who serve and protect us.”

Representante Hirschauer Avanza Proyecto de Ley Reconociendo a los Soldados Desaparecidos, Apoyando a las Familias de Veteranos

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Con el objetivo de rendir homenaje a los hombres y mujeres que sirvieron y nunca regresaron a casa, la Representante Estatal Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, está trabajando para crear una nueva conmemoración en honor a los soldados desaparecidos, prisioneros de guerra y las familias de veteranos que experimentan el duelo.

“Esta medida es una forma pequeña pero poderosa de asegurarnos de que nunca olvidemos los sacrificios de aquellos que nunca regresaron a casa, y de los seres queridos que siguen sufriendo por su ausencia”, dijo Hirschauer.

Hirschauer aprobó el Proyecto de Ley 1312 en el Comité de Administración del Gobierno Estatal con apoyo bipartidista. Su proyecto de ley designaría el tercer viernes de septiembre de cada año como el Día de Reconocimiento a los POW/MIA (Prisioneros de Guerra y Desaparecidos en Acción) en honor a los miembros del servicio desaparecidos y las familias de prisioneros de guerra (POW) y aquellos desaparecidos en acción (MIA).

La medida específicamente solicita al gobernador que dedique una parte del día a la reflexión personal sobre las difíciles circunstancias de los POW y los miembros MIA de las fuerzas armadas de EE. UU., alentando a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre los servicios de estos soldados.

“Al reconocer formalmente este día, instamos al gobernador y a todos los habitantes de Illinois a reflexionar sobre el coraje de estas personas y el dolor que han soportado sus familias y seres queridos”, dijo Hirschauer. “Es un honor presentar esta legislación ante nuestro cuerpo legislativo para reflejar el inquebrantable apoyo de nuestro estado hacia aquellos que sirven y nos protegen.”

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Construction Notice- Butterfield Road: Warrenville, Wheaton & Aurora

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NOTE: intermittent lane closures will be required for this project, requiring extended travel time through the area. Alternative routes are encouraged.

Illinois Department of Transportation – From April 2025 to September 2025, improvements will be made along IL 56 (Butterfield Road) from 0.4 miles west of IL 59 to East Naperville Road within the cities of Warrenville, Wheaton, and Aurora in DuPage County. The project will include a 6.15-mile overlay and ADA ramp improvements, hot mix asphalt surface removal and replacement, pedestrian ramps, pavement patching, and pavement markings.

Once completed, this project will enhance the operations of the transportation route. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Aviso de Construccion – Butterfield Road: Warrenville, Wheaton & Aurora

Departamento de Transporte de Illinois – Desde abril de 2025 hasta septiembre de 2025, se realizarán mejoras a lo largo de la IL 56 (Butterfield Road) desde 0.4 millas al oeste de la IL 59 hasta East Naperville Road, dentro de las ciudades de Warrenville, Wheaton y Aurora en el condado de DuPage. El proyecto incluirá una superposición de 6.15 millas y mejoras en las rampas ADA, remoción y reemplazo de la superficie de asfalto de mezcla en caliente, rampas peatonales, reparación de pavimento y marcas viales.

Una vez finalizado, este proyecto mejorará las operaciones de la ruta de transporte. Nos disculpamos por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese con nuestra oficina.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Preconstruction Notice – Neltnor West Chicago

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Illinois Department of Transportation – From April 2025 through November 2025, improvements will be made along IL 59 (Neltnor Boulevard) from south of Heritage Woods Drive to North Batavia Road within the City of West Chicago and the Village of Warrenville. The project will include a 5.78-mile overlay and ADA improvements. Work will involve hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface removal and replacement, patching, detector loop replacement, pavement markings, sidewalk and curb removal and replacement, drainage structure adjustments, and minor traffic signal improvements.

Once completed, this project will enhance the operations of the highway facility. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Aviso Previo de Construccion – Neltnor West Chicago

Departamento de Transporte de Illinois – Desde Abril 2025 hasta Noviembre 2025, se realizarán mejoras a lo largo de IL 59 (Neltnor Boulevard) desde el sur de Heritage Woods Drive hasta North Batavia Road, dentro de la ciudad de West Chicago y el pueblo de Warrenville. El proyecto incluirá una capa de 5.78 millas y mejoras de alteraciones. El trabajo consistirá en la remoción y reemplazo de la superficie de asfalto mezclado en caliente (HMA), parches, reemplazo de lazo detector, marcas viales, remoción y reemplazo de aceras y bordillos, ajustes de estructuras de drenaje y mejoras menores en las señales de tráfico.

Una vez completado, este proyecto mejorará las operaciones de la vía. Pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente que esto pueda causar. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor, contacte a nuestra oficina.

Rep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
270-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #104
West Chicago IL 60185

Karina’s Bill FAQ

What is Karina’s Bill?

“Karina’s Bill”, a piece of legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly in January 2025, is aimed at enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence. The bill mandates that law enforcement agencies confiscate firearms from individuals subject to an order of protection within 96 hours of its issuance. This measure addresses a critical gap in existing laws, ensuring that alleged abusers do not retain access to firearms during the period when an order of protection is in effect.

Listed below is a FAQ on the processes and requirements of how firearms are to be returned after an Order of Protection (OOP) expires. Answers are referenced directly from ILGA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

*Note: “Respondent” refers to the owner of the firearms that are confiscated. All mentions of “firearm” below also include “firearm parts” which could be assembled to create an operable firearm.

• What happens to a respondent’s firearms after they’re confiscated?

They are held by the law enforcement agency that took possession of the items for safekeeping.1 Law enforcement will also confiscate any Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or Concealed Carry License in possession of the respondent, and shall immediately mail it to Illinois State Police Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Office for safekeeping.2

• How do respondents reclaim their firearms?

The respondent may contact the law enforcement agency safekeeping their firearm to request them back. Law enforcement shall comply only if:

  1. the order of protection for the victim has expired AND
  2. the gun owner is legally allowed to own firearms.3

It is the responsibility of the respondent to request their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card or Concealed Carry License back by contacting the Illinois State Police Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Office.4

• How will law enforcement return confiscated firearms?

Law enforcement will attempt to contact the respondent to reclaim their firearm but will pursue other options if the respondent:

  1. fails to respond to more than three requests to retrieve the firearms OR
  2. cannot be located.6

• What if the respondent cannot be contacted?

If retrieval is unsuccessful, the court, upon petition from the appropriate law enforcement agency and notice to the respondent at their last known address, may:

  1. use the firearm for training purposes OR
  2. use the firearms for any other application as deemed appropriate OR
  3. turn the firearms over to a third party who is lawfully eligible to possess firearms and does not reside with the respondent.7

Additionally, a third party who is lawfully eligible to claim the firearms for the respondent, but only provided that:

  1. the third party must not reside with the respondent AND
  2. the respondent must not have access to the firearm AND 
  3. the third party must not transfer the firearm to anyone else AND
  4. the third party will maintain control and possession of the firearm until otherwise ordered by the court AND
  5. the third party will be subject to criminal penalties for transferring the firearms AND 
  6. the order of protection is expired.8
• How long does it take for a firearm to be returned?

Once a firearm return request has been filed, the police department shall return their firearms to them within 14 days (however, the statute currently does not specify in what way firearms will be returned).5

• What happens when firearms are claimed to be the property of another person while confiscated?

They may petition the court to have the firearms returned to them with proper notice to the respondent. At a hearing, if the court determines the petitioner to be the lawful owner, the firearms will be returned to them only if:

  1. the lawful owner agrees to store the firearm in a manner that does not provide access or control of the firearm to the respondent AND
  2. the lawful owner does not transfer the firearm to the respondent or anyone who resides with them AND
  3. the lawful owner does not reside with the respondent AND
  4. the respondent does not have access to the location in which the lawful owner intends to keep the firearms AND
  5. the lawful owner will maintain control and possession of the firearm unless otherwise ordered by the court.9

If you have still have any unanswered questions, please reach out to our office.