LifeGoesOn.com has information about Illinois’ First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry program. A new law allows teens, ages 16 and 17 years old, to register for the program when they receive their first driver’s license or identification card.

STATE

New law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to become organ donors

Teens, ages 16 and 17 years old, can now register for the state’s First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their first driver’s license or identification card.

Secretary of State Jesse White supported the legislation, saying, “Thousands of Illinoisans are waiting for an organ. Those who are waiting are someone’s mother, father, daughter or son. This new law is an important step in reducing the number of individuals on the waiting list.”

Before the new law went into effect Jan. 1, an individual had to be at least 18 years old to join the First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry. The legislation amends the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to join the registry. Those who join the registry will receive a letter of thanks from the Secretary of State’s office.

By joining the registry, 16- and 17-year-olds will be giving consent to donate their organs and tissue at the time of their death with only the single limitation that the procurement organizations (Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Network and Mid-America Transplant) must make a reasonable effort to contact a parent or guardian to ensure they approve of the donation. The parent or guardian will then have the opportunity to overturn the child’s decision. Once the 16- or 17-year-old turns 18, that decision would be considered legally binding without limitation.

In 2016, more than 350,000 16- and 17-year- olds in Illinois were issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. A total of 47 states have enacted similar legislation.

Illinoisans can register to be a donor by calling (800) 210-2106, or by visiting a local state Driver Services facility.

Motorists will face stiff fines if they ignore stopped vehicles

A new roadway safety campaign has been launched, aimed at raising awareness of an Illinois law requiring motorists to move over for stopped vehicles with flashing lights.

The state law was first enacted in 2002, requiring motorists to slow down, move over and change lanes if possible to make room for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. The law was expanded in January 2017 to include any vehicle with flashing hazard lights.

Gov. Bruce Rauner along with officials from the Illinois Tollway, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation and other groups last week announced the new “Give Them Distance” safe-driving initiative highlighting the law. Motorists who don’t comply face a fine up to $10,000, a two-year suspension of driving privileges and possible jail time.

TAZEWELL COUNTY

Trees can be recycled through Jan. 13

The Tazewell County Health Department is accepting Christmas trees through Jan. 13 on the Illinois Central College East Campus near the truck driver training area. The trees will be mulched.

The health department requires that all lights, tinsel and decorations be removed.  The trees should not be wrapped in bags. For more information, call (309) 925-5511, ext. 270.

MORTON

Program to give tips to protect yourself online

Cyber Security Tips from A Hacker will be presented 2 p.m. Jan. 6, at Morton Public Library, 315 W. Pershing. Knowing how the offensive side thinks is an important part of defending yourself. Learn how to protect your computer and your information online. Hacking is not illegal. It’s a method of problem solving. Unfortunately, today’s cyber criminals are using hacking techniques to disrupt technology and steal information. Learn how to protect yourself. The program is for adults. Registration is requested. Call (309) 263-2200.

PEKIN

Bicentennial movies to be shown at library

Pekin Public Library announces its 2018 Illinois Bicentennial Movie Series of Local Pekin/Tazewell County History. The movies will be at 11 a.m. on the first Friday of every month on the large movie screen in the Community Room of the library, 301 S. 4^th St., Pekin. The first movie, “History of Pekin,” will be shown Jan. 5. The movie includes footage of the Pekin High School, Pekin Hospital, Pekin Theater and the Old Post Office. 

–Woodford County News Briefs–