Welcome to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus

Johnson’s measure to improve educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals with disabilities passes

SPRINGFIELD – To remove barriers to education, employment and training for incarcerated individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced House Bill 1810.

“People with disabilities who are incarcerated deserve the same opportunity to learn valuable skills and prepare for the future as anyone else,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).  “Expanding access to education and employment programs promotes dignity, rehabilitation and long-term public safety.”

House Bill 1810 would require reasonable accommodation for incarcerated individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including waiving standardized testing requirements for entry into educational, vocational and work programs. Participation in these programs through a waiver would also qualify individuals for earned sentence credit, helping reduce recidivism and support reintegration.

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Johnson’s life-saving training requirement measure passes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s measure to require athletic head coaches to learn life-saving techniques has passed.

“Coaches are often the first adult to respond when a medical emergency happens during a practice or competition,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death giving someone experiencing cardiac arrest a critical chance to survive until first responders arrive.”

House Bill 3275 would require all paid school head coaches and chief sponsors of the sports activities to obtain training in CPR, first aid and the use of an AED. School districts would be required to conduct an annual cardiac response drill to practice the steps established in its cardiac emergency response plan. The drills would be able to be conducted without student participation.

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Villivalam advances measure expanding transparency on toxic chemicals found in wastewater

SPRINGFIELD ─ State Senator Ram Villivalam spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would pave the way for increased data, transparency and accountability on toxic polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals” – in wastewater.

“Toxic chemicals are being run off into wastewater facilities – leaving communities at risk for adverse health effects,” said Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Without the proper tools and framework, wastewater treatment facilities have no way of understanding, regulating and eliminating these chemicals in their facilities.”

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Drivers could invoke appraisal on damaged vehicles under Morrison measure

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison spearheaded a measure through the Senate that would give insured drivers a way to resolve disputes with their insurers about repair costs or total loss valuations without involving the court system.

“It is not uncommon for policyholders to feel that their estimated repair cost or total loss valuation is too low,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “However, it becomes burdensome for both the policyholder and insurance company to have to go through the courts to get an appraisal.”

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