Illinois Briefs - 12/25/12

Workers Get Social Media Privacy In Illinois

(Springfield, IL)  --  Good news for workers in Illinois come January 1st.  Employers will no longer be allowed to ask for your personal passwords to Facebook, Twitter, or other social media sites.  State Representative LaShawn Ford sponsored the bill after several people claimed they were fired, or not hired, because of content on their social networking pages. The law won't stop employers from viewing public posts on the sites, though.  And, they're still allowed to ban workers from accessing the sites while on the clock.

Lawmakers In Lame Duck Session Next Week

(Springfield, IL)  --  Lawmakers have several big issues to deal with when they return to session next week.  Proposals on gay marriage, driver's licenses for immigrants, medical marijuana, and pensions could come up for a vote.  The conceal carry issue could also be on the table for discussion.  The Senate will come in from January 2nd through 4th.  The House will meet from January 6th through the 8th.  The new general assembly will be sworn in January 9th.

Unlicensed Teen Driver Killed In Crash

(Jersey County, IL)  --  A Jersey County teenager is dead after his pick-up truck hit a utility pole.  Authorities say the truck rolled over multiple times after hitting the pole.  It happened Sunday night on Illinois Route 16, near St. Mary's Road.  The 15-year old driver wasn't licensed but he did have an

instructional permit.  A passenger in the truck wasn't injured in the accident.  Both the driver and the passenger were wearing their seatbelts.

Police Out In Full Force

(Newton, IL)  --  The Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies all over the state are out in full force.  The officers will conduct hundreds of roadside safety checks, looking for drunk drivers and people who aren't wearing seatbelts.  It's part of the "Drive To Survive" safe driving campaign, now thru the end of the year.  The plan features the "Click It or Ticket" campaign and the "Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over" initiative.