SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state assault weapons ban:

“Our state holds a great responsibility to protect people from the continued act of gun violence caused by assault weapons. I am thankful the Illinois Supreme Court has stood steadfast in their decision to ban assault weapons, as no person should be able to easily acquire this level of weaponry.”

WAUKEGAN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $121 million in road and bridge improvement projects coming to the area.

“Through these investments, both local residents and tourists will be able to travel more safely,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By investing in our infrastructure, we are investing in our communities.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Johnson represents will see 27 infrastructure projects totaling more than $121 million over the next six years.

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.

Together, they passed Senate Bill 1251 – which is known as the “Donald (DJ) Stallworth, III Act.” The law provides extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency vehicles. Further, it will require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

“We must work as a collective to mitigate the risk of additional accidents when responding to emergencies,” Johnson said. “I commend Mr. and Mrs. Stallworth for their bravery and advocacy to tell their late son’s story and uplift his legacy to make adequate change.”

Senate Bill 1251 is signed into law Friday.

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.