OAKBROOK TERRACE – To address rising rates of vehicle thefts throughout Illinois, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported three measures to offer protections to motorists and assistance to investigators that were signed into law Thursday.

“Commuters and families are worried to be on the roadways due to the rise in reported carjackings,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “To offer protections to motorists, these new laws in Illinois will soon help crack down on car thefts and prevent victims from paying speeding fees or fines after the crime is committed.”

House Bill 601 addresses new and sophisticated technology used by car thieves that can replicate the signal from a vehicle’s key fob and be used to start a vehicle remotely. The new law adds possession of this technology to the legal definition of possession of burglary tools, allowing law enforcement to take action on organized vehicle thefts.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is hosting a care package drive scheduled to start May 27 to benefit homeless veterans throughout DuPage County.

“To help recognize May as Veterans Appreciation Month, my office is organizing a care package drive to benefit the brave men and women who have served our country but have fallen on challenging times thereafter,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I encourage residents to join in donating toiletries and other hygiene items to support homeless veterans, show appreciation for their service and help them through this difficult time.”

The Guardian Corps of America is encouraging residents to donate unopened, unused items such as calf-length socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, nail clippers, Kleenex, bandages, body lotion, small water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, wet wipes, rain ponchos and soap.

Participants can utilize four drop-off locations around the 24th District from May 27 through June 27:

• Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 Finley Rd., Lombard
• Joanne B. Wagner Community Center, 615 West Ave., Elmhurst
• Clarendon Hills Library, 7 N. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills
• Oak Brook Park District Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Rd., Oak Brook

After the deadline, all donated items will be given to GCA for distribution to homeless veterans in DuPage County.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – To help relieve a financial burden on older adults living with a fixed income, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton supported a newly-signed law to reduce the registration fee for Illinois residents ages 65 years and older.

“Registration fees by the state can create financial burdens for older adults living with limited income,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Reducing this fee can provide older adults with relief.”

The law reduces the vehicle registration fee for vehicle owners and their spouses from $24 to $10 if they qualify or have been approved for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Persons with Disability Property Tax Relief Act.

SPRINGFIELD – To support retailers, update prosecuting resources and promote statewide economic growth, the governor signed a measure into law Friday led by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton to curb organized retail crime and hold ringleaders accountable.

“Organized retail crimes across the state have disturbed residents, wreaked havoc on businesses and stunted growth within local economies,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “By advancing the Organized Retail Crime Act, Illinois is enacting one of the most comprehensive crime-curbing efforts in the nation.”

In partnership with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and Illinois Attorney General, Glowiak Hilton’s law codifies organized retail crime into statute as the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to sell.