Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

August 13, 2025/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Human trafficking law signed

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation requiring state agencies to develop a strategic unified plan to build a network of services for survivors of human trafficking survivors.

According to Illinois State Police, Senate Bill 2323 addresses human trafficking through prevention, intervention and establishing standards for survivor support.

If you suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text *233733. You can also email [email protected].

Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois and Wisconsin health care operator Mercyhealth has agreed to pay more than $1 million in monetary relief and offered to reinstate employees who were terminated for refusing to comply with the organization’s COVID-19 vaccine policy.

The settlement follows an investigation by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The agency’s investigation found reasonable cause to believe that Mercyhealth discriminated against employees based on their religion by terminating their employment or subjecting them to a wage deduction.

Man sentenced for distributing meth

A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 17 years in prison after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl.

Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl.

Prosecutors say Scanlan qualified as a career offender for his previous drug trafficking and other felony convictions.

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