SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to ensure children with behavioral and mental health needs in DCFS’s care get timely access to essential treatment went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our youth is prioritized,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law reflects our dedication to encouraging a supportive and nurturing environment for every child’s growth and development.”

Johnson’s law requires DCFS to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth with significant behavioral health needs.

SPRINGFIELD – In May of 2022, a 23-year-old resident from the district State Senator Adriane Johnson represents lost his life after an ambulance collided with his motorcycle. Over the next year, she worked with his family to honor his life and ensure that no other person is injured or killed in such a way.

“Proper training will help save lives,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “As first responders work to protect one life, we must ensure other lives are not at risk.”

The measure comes after Donald Stallworth, III was tragically killed when his motorcycle was struck by an ambulance that went through a stop sign without active sirens. Reports from the crash said the ambulance did not have its siren on. Johnson worked in tandem with Stallworth’s family to ensure what happened that tragic day in Waukegan won’t happen to another person.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s measure bringing Illinois in line with national standards regarding environmental covenants is now law.

“Our environment directly affects our health,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is my hope that together, we can improve our environment for a safer community.”

Johnson’s legislation will protect the health of the community and the environment by expanding the state’s ability to establish land use restrictions. These tools are necessary to protect resident’s health and the environment against inadvertent exposures to residual contamination while encouraging economic redevelopment by upholding an environmental standard.

“I’m proud to support Illinois in environmentally conscious efforts,” said Johnson.

House Bill 2278 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson led a measure through the Senate to allow people with previous felony convictions to serve as an executor of someone else’s estate if expressly named.  

“We are taking a vital step to restore dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Families should be free to choose who takes on this sacred duty. This measure will be one less domino in the effects of permanent punishments that devastate children, families, and communities of color across Illinois.”

House Bill 1268 would allow people with previous felony convictions to act as executor of someone else’s estate. Under the measure, a convicted felon could only serve as an executor if the deceased person expressly names that person in their will and acknowledges they know the person is a convicted felon.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“We must uphold our promise to protect and support youth in care,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This measure will ensure more efficient and timely treatment for our youth in care.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois has only 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents. The erosion of the mental health care network in Illinois has a significant impact on access to care, increasing hospitalization for extended periods in emergency wards, and increasing expense for families of youth with complex intellectual or developmental disabilities. Most severely, it can lead to the willing relinquishment of a child into DCFS custody in order to fund psychiatric care.

“We have a duty to support youth in DCFS care,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, these children are far too often forgotten – we must give them the immediate care they need.”

House Bill 439 passed the Senate Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to address homelessness and unnecessary institutionalism with the passing of House Bill 2831.

“This measure helps us address the statewide issue of homelessness,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Homelessness has become far too common and has various causes. With the improvement of health and human services we aim to decrease the number of those affected.”

House Bill 2831 would create an office within the Illinois Department of Human Services tasked with preventing and ending homelessness. The group would create a strategic plan aimed to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety- nets that contribute to housing stability.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It’s vital that we keep youth in care in need of residential treatment in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must work to avoid out-of-state transfers or placements that can be disruptive to those with complex behavioral and mental health medical needs long term.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

SPRINGFIELD – The life of Donald Stallworth, III was tragically taken too soon when an ambulance – which drove through a stop sign without its siren – struck his motorcycle. To honor his memory and ensure that no other person is injured or killed the way their son was, the parents of Mr. Stallworth stood alongside State Senator Adriane Johnson and her colleagues at a press conference Thursday to fight for change.

“The passing of this bill is very important to our family because our lives have been forever changed. We have experienced an unbelievable loss with the passing of DJ, due to such a tragic accident,” said Satrese Stallworth, Donald’s mother. “He was a beautiful, amazing, talented, and very respectful young man. We will never get to experience his greatness in this lifetime. We don’t want to see another family suffer a great loss and experience the pain we’re enduring. Pain that was inflicted upon us by the people who come to preserve and save life. This is why it’s important to incorporate this law and keep his legacy alive.”