New Bills with Brad – House Bill 4675
With the 2024 legislative session off to a busy start, I have been hard at work with my team filing new bills for the people of District 74. But my job goes beyond just filing the bills, I also need to be communicating my efforts with the people I represent. To achieve that, I will be starting a series in my newsletters called “New Bills with Brad” where I will be delving into the details of one of these new pieces of legislation I have filed.
The first bill I want to discuss is a simple bill that helps keep first responders safe. House Bill 4675 will require the Secretary of State to issue specific decal stickers to newly-registered electric vehicles. The reason this bill is important is because it will assist firefighters as they work to help those involved in a car crash.
Due to the technology and materials used in electric vehicles, firefighters have to use different gear and precautions, for their own safety, before engaging with one of these vehicles. The decal will allow emergency responders to quickly identify electric vehicles, which will save time and keep them safe.
This bill is an easy win for everyone. It will keep firefighters and civilians safe when responding to car related emergencies, and it will save precious minutes by immediately alerting responders.
Tele-Town Hall
Join State Representative Ryan Spain and I for a joint telephone town hall event on Tuesday, February 20th at 6:00 PM!
The town hall will focus on our priorities for the 2024 legislative session, including the budget, ethics reform, and rural healthcare access. Participants will also be able to ask questions during the event.
Residents will receive a phone call to connect to the town hall on February 20th, or they can dial in to (217) 727-6958. To ask a question during the call, press “0” (zero).
With questions about the event, residents can contact my office at (815) 561-3690 or Rep. Spain’s at (217) 782-8108.
Community Outreach
The Morrison Chamber of Commerce annual dinner was a huge hit! Thank you to the Morrison Chamber for inviting me to be a part of this great event!
Thank you to the staff at Challand Middle School in Sterling for welcoming me to your school! It was exciting to see your facilities and to learn more about the work you do for your students.
I had a great time reading to the children at Little Hubs Learning Center in Rochelle. Families around Illinois are feeling the effects of childcare shortages, especially in rural communities like ours. It was wonderful to see this daycare providing a much-needed service in the area!
I toured Merrill Elementary in Rock Falls. It was a pleasure to speak with the incredible educators shaping our future generations!
Another great school tour in District 74! I recently visited Dillion Elementary School in Rock Falls where I was able to observe classes and speak with some of the students. Thank you to the faculty and staff for welcoming me to your school!
The Canal Caucus had an informal meeting to discuss fixing lock #33. I was glad I could attend to discuss preventative solutions to this issue!
My recent visit to Rock Falls High School included an informative tour with school faculty and staff. It was wonderful to see their facilities and speak with these educators about the ways we can make education better for teachers and students!
I attended another great school visit in District 74 at Sterling High School. While touring the school, I spoke with a number of students and was so pleased to hear how passionate they are about learning!
Shabbona State Park Survey
In 1829, a Federal Treaty between the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and the United States Government allowed the Potawatomi Nation to maintain 1,280 acres of land in what is now DeKalb County. However, the agreement was never fulfilled, and the land was subsequently sold by the U.S. government in 1849. This land now holds part of the Shabbona Lake State Park.
Legislation has been proposed by another member of the Illinois House of Representatives, House Bill 4107, that would return this land by transferring the entirety of Shabbona Lake State Park, 1,550 acres of land and 318 acres of lake, back to the Potawatomi Nation. This land transfer would be done without disrupting or challenging the land of current homeowners.
In order to best serve my constituents, I am requesting feedback on this legislation from residents who live within a 15-mile radius of the Shabbona State Park. To complete this survey, please click here.
If You Are in Springfield
If you plan to visit Springfield in the coming months, please reach out! I am always available for my constituents and would be happy to meet with you during your visit. It is crucial that the government operates with transparency, and I encourage you to hold me, and my colleagues, accountable!
Keep Up to Date
Click here to visit my website. There you can contact my office, see what legislation I am working on, and more.
Click here to “like” me on Facebook for more frequent updates.
I will continue to update you via this e-newsletter to keep you up to date on my efforts to pass bills in Springfield and serve you in the district.
Talk to you soon,
State Representative Bradley J. Fritts