New Laws
As we welcome in 2020, we also welcome some new laws that go into place this year. Illinois became the 11th state to make recreational cannabis legal to purchase and consume. However, pot products can only be purchased from licensed recreational dispensaries and only used on private property. Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency vehicles on the highway, will also see higher penalties for infractions. Fines for first offenders now start at $250, with subsequent violations reaching $750. Also, schools will need to include age-appropriate discussions of the meaning of consent during sex education classes. The law states schools will need to teach that consent can be withdrawn at any time and that past consent does not constitute future consent.
New Safer Naper Theme
A new year also means a new twist for the Naperville Police Department’s “A Safer Naper” campaign. This year, NPD will be highlighting one of their programs or initiatives per month instead of a monthly safety topic. They’re starting 2020 off with Connect for Life, which was launched in 2016 to combat the opioid epidemic. The program aims to connect individuals and families struggling with addiction to relevant support services. The service is free and doesn’t require insurance.
Wheelchair Basketball
Overcoming early paralysis though wheelchair basketball, 12-year-old Drew Beutel is taking to the court. Beutel was diagnosed with transverse myelitis as an infant, but that has hardly slowed the athlete down. Competing for the Synergy Junior Bulls wheelchair basketball team, Beutel mentors the younger players while learning as he goes with the older team. You can find out more about Drew Beutel in a past Sports Story Sunday on our website.
