Johnson law provides remote testimony option for student victims of sexual misconduct

• Mental health
• Students
• safety

SPRINGFIELD – Soon students will no longer have to come face-to-face during the hearing process with a teacher or principal who is alleged to have committed sexual misconduct, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Adriane Johnson.

“While seeking justice for students is imperative, I see no reason they need to be re-traumatized during the hearing process,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By providing alternative methods for testimony we can see that this does not occur.”

This measure prohibits victims or witnesses of sexual misconduct by a teacher from being compelled to testify at a disciplinary hearing in the physical or visual presence of a teacher or other witness if they are under age 18 or were at the time of the alleged conduct. The law requires hearing officers to make accommodations for witnesses to provide testimony remotely and specifies disciplinary measures for hearing officers who fail to do so.

“It is unfortunate these accommodations have to be made but we must ensure that survivors are supported and feel safe,” said Johnson.

House Bill 3592 was signed into law Friday.

Johnson’s new law will provide timely treatment to youth in care of DCFS

• Health
• Mental health
• Public Health

SPRINGFIELD – Prioritizing the needs of youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services with behavioral and mental health medical needs, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a new law to ensure they get timely access to essential treatment.

“It’s vital that we ensure youth in care who need residential treatment receive it in a timely and efficient manner,” 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 law will require 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 in care with significant behavioral health needs.

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Johnson champions new law to prevent homelessness

• Homelessness

CHICAGO – A measure to address homelessness led by State Senator Adriane Johnson was signed into law today.

“Homelessness is the effect of numerous causes,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By taking a comprehensive approach to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services, we are able to successfully combat root causes head on.”

House Bill 2831 will create an office within the Illinois Department of Human Services tasked with preventing and ending homelessness. The office will create a strategic plan aimed to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness.

“Homelessness is a pervasive issue in our state that has been long overlooked,” said Johnson. ”We must continue to expand services to assist people and families who need it most.”

House Bill 2831 was signed into law Wednesday.

Johnson supports grant applicants with free training session

• Grant
• North Chicago

NORTH CHICAGO – Senator Adriane Johnson joins Representative Rita Mayfield in hosting a training session to help people learn how they can take advantage of grants available.

“Obtaining funding to better serve our communities can be quite daunting,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “This training session ensures that grantees are equipped with all the information necessary to successfully apply.”

The purpose of GATA is to increase accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds while reducing the administrative burden on both state agencies and grantees. This free GATA training session will take place Saturday, July 22 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the North Chicago Public Library located at 2100 Argonne Dr.

People can register in advance by calling 847-599-2800 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..