SPRINGFIELD — To ensure all students receive equitable access to school counseling and support services, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to clarify that school counselors are permitted to serve all students, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.

“Every student deserves access to trusted adults and supportive services in their school,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation ensures that school counselors can serve all students without ambiguity or hesitation.”

Senate Bill 405 would require school counselors to work to address the academic, social, emotional, and postsecondary needs of all students, regardless of their citizenship status. The measure would reinforce existing practice and professional standards while providing clear statutory guidance that promotes inclusivity and equity across Illinois schools.

SPRINGFIELD — In a continued push to build a fairer and more rehabilitative justice system, State Senator Adriane Johnson is championing legislation to make it easier for young people convicted of serious crimes to have their sentences reviewed under evolving constitutional standards.

“Young people deserve a system that recognizes their capacity for change,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This bill acknowledges that emerging adults are fundamentally different from fully mature adults, and our sentencing practices must reflect that.”

Senate Bill 248 would eliminate procedural barriers that currently prevent individuals convicted of a felony before turning 21 from seeking sentence review based on the principles of restorative justice embedded in the Illinois Constitution.

SPRINGFIELD — Future educators  may soon see new opportunities for fair compensation thanks to State Senator Adriane Johnson. House Bill 3528, which recently passed the House, would change the Illinois School Code to ensure that institutions of higher education cannot require student teachers to work without pay.

“Student teachers are doing real work in real classrooms, and they deserve the chance to be compensated,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This measure doesn’t require payment, but it removes outdated policies that flat-out prohibit it. That opens the door for school districts, nonprofits, or other partners to offer stipends or wages if they choose.”

While the measure will not mandate that universities or school districts pay student teachers, it explicitly prohibits any policy that bars such payment. By doing so, it creates legal space for compensation models to emerge and evolve—particularly in high-need areas.

SPRINGFIELD — To improve coordination and oversight of the 2-1-1 helpline that connects Illinois residents to vital health and human services, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed legislation to bolster reporting standards and statewide collaboration.

“Families across Illinois rely on 2-1-1 to get help during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We have a responsibility to make sure this system is responsive, transparent and consistently high quality across every community.”

2-1-1 is a federally designated helpline that offers free, confidential access to resources like food, shelter, mental health services, employment support, and healthcare. The service launched in Illinois in 2009 and continues to expand across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring transparency and dignity to end-of-life care in Illinois correctional facilities, State Senator Adriane championed a measure that would require the Illinois Department of Corrections to publish annual reports on its hospice and palliative care programs.

“No one should face death alone and without dignity, regardless of where they are,” said Senator Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This legislation will help us understand how the state is treating people at the end of their lives and allow lawmakers to make informed decisions on how to improve care for incarcerated individuals.”

Senate Bill 1524, an initiative of Access Living, was introduced in honor of Eddie Thomas—a man who died alone in a prison infirmary just five months after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, without access to any end-of-life care.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure, in collaboration with the Office of the State Treasurer, to establish a state-managed investment pool for non-profits, providing a secure and competitive investment option.

“Non-profits play a critical role in supporting our communities, but many lack access to investment opportunities that help their resources grow,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This initiative ensures they have the same secure and reliable investment opportunities as government entities.”

SPRINGFIELD – In a landmark effort to tackle food waste and reduce methane emissions, State Senator Adriane Johnson outlined two measures at a press conference Wednesday that are part of Illinois first statewide framework for food scrap management and sustainable composting.

“By diverting edible food to feed people and food waste from landfills and into composting, we help build Illinois’ circular economy,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Creating an infrastructure for enhanced food recovery and food waste diversion, and opening markets for compost makes sense for everyone.”

Senate Bill 1398 would create a food scrap diversion hierarchy, ensuring food is first directed toward human consumption, followed by animal feed, industrial use, composting and anaerobic digestion —all to minimize landfill waste. The bill would set a gradual implementation process and outlines compliance requirements for entities managing food scraps.

SPRNGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure out of the Senate Education Committee ensuring students’ have access to counseling services regardless of citizenship status.

“Access to counseling ensures all students can succeed and are supported, regardless of their backgrounds,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By providing access to student counseling without barriers, schools affirm their role as inclusive and supportive environments where all students can grow and prevail.”

Senate Bill 469 would make clarifying changes to ensure all students would be served by school counselors regardless of their citizenship status. Research shows that students with access to effective school counselors tend to have better academic outcomes, including higher graduation rates, increased college attendance, and improved academic performance.