Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson released a Capitol News Update on May 8, outlining recent legislative actions and community initiatives. The update includes efforts to reform the SAFE-T Act, raise awareness about Lyme disease, promote summer reading among students, and honor fallen police officers.
Swanson reported that House Republican Leader Tony McCombie and Senate Republican Leader John Curran have introduced identical legislation in both chambers aimed at changing the SAFE-T Act. The proposed change would require detention for anyone arrested on a felony charge while already on pre-trial release until their charges are resolved. Swanson said this measure comes after several high-profile incidents involving offenders who committed violent crimes while out on pre-trial release. “The two Republican leaders in the General Assembly commented that the law should not prioritize process over protection, and that loopholes must be closed and policies which fall short must be fixed. Preventable harm is unacceptable, and public safety must take precedence.” In total, House Republicans have filed more than 40 bills to reform the SAFE-T Act.
The update also draws attention to May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Swanson highlighted steps Illinois residents can take to prevent tick bites and recognize symptoms of Lyme disease such as fatigue, fever, chills, headache, minor joint pain, or a bullseye rash—though he noted this rash appears in only about half of cases. He encouraged people to visit the Illinois Lyme Association for more information.
Swanson announced his office’s partnership with local libraries for the Read All About It: America 250 Summer Reading Program for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade within the 71st District. Students who read at least eight books by July will receive an invitation to an ice cream party; those who read at least one book about American history will receive an additional prize.
In addition to legislative updates and community programs, Swanson reflected on attending a memorial service honoring 49 law enforcement officers from the Quad Cities area who lost their lives in service dating back to the 1800s.
Swanson was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 71st House District in 2023 after replacing Donald L. Moffitt according to Ballotpedia.
