Lake Michigan to have improved water quality, thanks to new Johnson law

• Lake Michigan
• SB 3716
• H2O

SPRINGFIELD – Better water quality is in the future for Lake Michigan, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“We need to be doing all we can to protect our water quality, and this new law will continue to ensure our efforts in having a clean water supply,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Lake Michigan provides drinking water to millions of people in the state, so we will never stop our work in having safe, potable water.”

The law updates an existing provision to task the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) with regularly monitoring water quality from nearshores, harbors and public water supply intakes in Lake Michigan. The IEPA will also be required to provide an executive summary every two years on conditions of the lake’s water quality to the governor and General Assembly.

This update further aligns the state with the federal Clean Water Act and was included in a package initiative this spring session aimed at enhancing water quality.

“Ensuring the sustainability of Lake Michigan is critical for long-term planning and development in the state,” said Johnson. “Updating these protections supports sustainable growth in Illinois while also balancing economic, human and environmental needs.”

Senate Bill 3716 was signed into law Friday and is effective immediately.

Johnson law prohibits corporal punishment in private schools

• HB 4175
• corporal punishment

SPRINGFIELD – To safeguard students statewide and ensure they are treated with respect in schools, State Senator Adriane Johnson spearheaded a law tackling corporal punishment in private and non-public schools.

“Every child deserves a safe and nurturing learning environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Extending the ban on corporal punishment to all schools ensures no student in Illinois is subjected to physical punishment – which has been shown to have damaging effects on their well-being and development.”

The new law extends prohibitions on corporal and physical punishment in all schools in Illinois, rather than just public schools, except the use of certain restraints in specific circumstances to prevent a student from imminently harming themselves or others. Johnson’s law makes Illinois the fifth state in the nation to extend the ban on corporal punishment to non-public schools. 

“Corporal punishment has no place in our educational system,” said Johnson. “By banning these practices, we are advocating for healthier, more effective methods of discipline that respect the dignity of our students.”

House Bill 4175 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Johnson law to ensure housing resources for students

• HB 5407

SPRINGFIELD – A new law from State Senator Adriane Johnson will ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“Everyone deserves adequate shelter and transportation. Here, we are able to ensure students basic needs are met,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Helping students and parents in this way promotes mental and emotional well-being, and in turn, academic success.”

The law expands the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. School districts will be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.

“In removing barriers for funds to assist students and supporting foundational elements, we contribute to the overall development and educational success of young people,” said Johnson. “In order to thrive academically, socially and emotionally, students need access to these necessary resources.”

House Bill 5407 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Johnson law ensures quality air ventilation in public schools

• HB 4903

SPRINGFIELD – Following growing concerns within the 30^th District about the health impacts of poor air quality, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a vital new law that addresses and improves air quality in elementary and secondary schools.

“This law will have a significant impact on students with asthma and allergies by ensuring schools are equipped with the best resources and practices to maintain clean air,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This is a critical step in reducing health disparities and providing a safer, healthier environment for students, faculty and staff.”

Johnson’s law tasks the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to compile resources to assess air quality and maintain ventilation systems in schools. ISBE will implement outreach strategies to make these resources available to elementary and secondary schools within 30 days of compilation, with updates as necessary.

“Establishing requirements for air quality monitoring is essential to ensuring all schools can proactively address and maintain healthy environments,” said Johnson. “The new law is setting a standard that prioritizes the well-being of our students and staff by keeping the air they breathe safe and clean.”

House Bill 4903 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.