SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure Tuesday to enhance student knowledge on climate control.

“Our youth are already engaged on the topic of climate change and are eager to learn more about the real solutions and how it impacts all aspects of society,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Learning opportunities should be available to students to further their understanding of potential solutions to the issues climate changes poses.”

House Bill 4895 would task public schools in Illinois with providing learning opportunities on the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change and solutions for addressing the crisis. Schools would be granted the flexibility to decide whether to create a separate class or implement these lessons into existing relevant classes.

“By implementing climate education into the curriculum, we are empowering students to become informed residents who can critically evaluate information, make sustainable choices and advocate for climate change in their communities,” said Johnson. “This is essential for fostering environmental literacy.”

House Bill 4895 passed the Senate Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure students across the state are kept safe and treated with respect at school, State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to address corporal punishment against students in private and non-public schools.

“Corporal punishment should never be used in schools. It is not only harmful physically, but it also teaches children that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Illinois students deserve equal protection under the law, no matter where they attend school.”

House Bill 4175 would prohibit the use of corporal and physical punishment in all schools in Illinois, except the use of certain restraints in specific circumstances to prevent a student from imminently harming themselves or others. Currently, physical punishment is only explicitly prohibited in public schools. Johnson’s measure would extend the prohibition to all private and non-public schools.

“National data has shown Black boys are twice as likely and Black girls are three times as likely to receive physical punishment at school as their white counterparts, and students with disabilities are also overrepresented,” said Johnson. “This treatment ultimately contributes to further trauma and developmental harm. We must protect our children and promote positive and respectful forms of discipline.”

House Bill 4175 passed the Senate Education Committee and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to require certain non-profit organizations to disclose the aggregate demographic data of their boards of directors and officers, and to make this information available on their website.

“We are taking vital steps to support diversity and inclusion in the non-profit sector,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “While individual board members can decline to disclose any or all demographic information, it is important that we continue to highlight and elevate leadership diversity, equity and inclusion throughout Illinois.”

Senate Bill 2930 would require charitable organizations that annually report $1 million or more in grants to other charitable organizations to disclose on their public-facing websites the aggregate demographic data of their boards of directors. This demographic data includes race, ethnicity, gender, veteran’s status, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Additionally, in collecting this information, the organization must provide an opportunity for individual board members to decline to disclose any or all of their personal demographic information.

“Illinois is extremely diverse and – in requiring this transparency of nonprofits –  we further embrace that diversity,” said Johnson. “This sets a positive example for other organizations, and hopefully encourages broader progress in the future.”

Senate Bill 2930 passed the Senate Wednesday.

WAUKEGAN – Recognizing the dire need for a new elementary school in North Chicago, State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expedite the process.

“The school in question was built in the 1950s and rehab is no longer a cost effective nor responsible solution,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove).  “Students deserve a more immediate solution to achieve a better academic environment.”

Senate Bill 464 would allow North Chicago District 187 to move forward with a new building on the most efficient timeline possible by bypassing public referendum requirements – saving the district critical resources and time. Since 25% of North Chicago District 187 sits on federal land, it has been awarded a number of federal grants.