Former State Rep. Roger Eddy: “One example of a ‘shell’ bill is Senate Bill 12. This one amends something called the Medical Patient Rights Act. The synopsis of the legislative proposal simply states that it, ‘Makes a technical change in a Section concerning the purpose of the Act.’ Nothing specific at all about what that change might be is included.”

“When it comes to many of the … issues that we have in black communities, most can be traced back to economic-related causes,” Rep. Sonia Harper said. “When we solve these … we will see less violence, we will see less hopelessness and despair in our communities.”

“While vaccinations are in an emergency review process, I don’t think it’s appropriate that any business, government, or other agency would require them,” state Rep. Joe Sosnowski said. “Once they receive full FDA approval, that’s a different story, as we see with requirements for flu vaccinations for medical personnel and at hospitals.”

State Rep. LaShawn Ford’s legislation would give a sentencing judge discretion over whether to tack on more than a decade in prison for gun-related felonies.

Jim Dey: “While the incident was frightening to (state Sen. Elgie) Sims, the known facts make it clear this is a run-of-the-mill criminal case. Victims rarely see it that way, and that’s why Sims didn’t like what happened. Thousands of future Illinois crime victims will feel the same way when the senator’s new no-bond law takes effect.”