SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to further protect residents from persistent and toxic pollutants, State Senator Adriane Johnson has advanced a measure to regulate the sale of certain fluorescent lamps.

“These types of fluorescent lamps contain mercury and pose a threat to not only the health of people but also the environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “In order to effectively reduce mercury pollution, we must remove products that contain traces of it from our disposal sites.”

House Bill 2363 would ban selling newly manufactured screw-base, bayonet-base and pin-base compact fluorescent lamps and linear fluorescent lamps. Exemptions would apply for certain fluorescent lamps used for medical diagnostics, academic research, photocopying and printing, and in vehicle headlights.

“The proper disposal of products containing mercury is crucial to preventing environmental contamination and protecting human health,” said Johnson. “While there are recycling programs for hazardous waste, this solution may not be accessible to everyone, and safeguarding our environment is paramount.”

House Bill 2363 passed the Senate on Friday and heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to require the Illinois Department of Corrections to provide lactation rooms for employees.

“Providing a dedicated space for lactating mothers creates a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “This privacy is crucial for the physical and emotional comfort of nursing mothers, helping them maintain their breastfeeding routines without stress or embarrassment.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to ensure students learn about the impacts of climate change in school.

“The integration of environmental literacy is crucial to youth development,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “By learning about climate change, students are empowered to take action and make informed decisions.”

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.

“Understanding climate change includes recognizing the disproportionate effects on marginalized communities and developing empathy and advocacy for climate justice,” said Johnson. “Climate change education promotes equity and social responsibility.”

House Bill 4895 passed the Senate Thursday and heads to the governor’s desk.

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

“Corporal punishment can cause significant psychological harm, including fear, anxiety, depression, and a negative self-image,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “These impacts can affect a child’s mental health long-term.”

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 non-public schools.

“Corporal punishment is an outdated practice,” said Johnson. “Illinois students K-12 deserve equal protection under the law no matter where they attend school.”

House Bill 4175 passed the Senate Wednesday.