More low-income families will now be eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) that went into effect on January 1.

Senate Bill 1847 increases the SNAP income limit from 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 165 percent of FPL. The new limit allows struggling families with slightly higher income than the previous limit to qualify. The new law could allow 40,000 previously ineligible families to receive SNAP benefits.

HARVEY – Illinois State Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) welcomed news that the US. Attorney General will investigate issues of force and accountability within the Chicago Police Department. Harris has urged federal officials to broaden the scope by extending the investigation to the Homan Square detention facility.

Various media outlets have reported these practices as well as one confirmed death within the Homan Facility. Earlier this year CPD confirmed that no cameras or fingerprinting resources are equipped within the facility. CPD has used this facility as "an interrogation site" dating back 15 years.

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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey) recently contacted the U.S. Attorney General after reports in the media raised concerns about violation of basic human and constitutional rights at Homan Square, calling for an investigation of policing practices in Chicago.

Homan Square is a Chicago police warehouse where a number of detainees have reported being mistreated by police.

“Transparency protects our police officers and the people they interact with,” Harris said. “When 7,000 people are held by police with few public records, it raises red flags and I feel we have a responsibility to look further into it.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by Senator Napoleon Harris (D-Harvey), allowing certain out-of-state health care professionals to practice medicine in Illinois while on contract to provide care to an athletic team, was signed into law today.

Currently there is no exemption for health care professionals in contract with athletic teams to provide care to athletic team members, coaching staff or families traveling with the athletic team in Illinois without a license to practice in the state.

“This measure would allow for teams to travel with their health care professionals, thereby allowing individuals to receive treatment from someone who is better informed on their medical history,” Harris said. “As a former professional athlete myself, I know firsthand the importance of traveling with a qualified physician who knows my medical history. This bill allows skilled health care professionals to provide the medical attention athletes need while they travel in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 785 gives exemption to health care professionals for 10 days per sporting event with an option to extend the exemption up to 30 days.

The legislation measure was signed into law today by Governor Bruce Rauner.