SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to ensure children with behavioral and mental health needs in DCFS’s care get timely access to essential treatment went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our youth is prioritized,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law reflects our dedication to encouraging a supportive and nurturing environment for every child’s growth and development.”

Johnson’s law requires 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 with significant behavioral health needs.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois has only 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents. The erosion of the mental health care network in Illinois has a significant impact on access to care, increasing the length of hospitalization in emergency wards and raising the cost for families of youth with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most severely, it can lead to the willing relinquishment of a child into DCFS custody in order to secure psychiatric care.

“We’re ensuring that vulnerable children receive the necessary support without undue delay,” said Johnson. “By prioritizing swift access to vital services, we aim to break down barriers, prevent crises and offer these young individuals a better chance at a successful, healthier future.”

House Bill 439 went into effect Jan. 1.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson led a law to allow people with previous felony convictions to serve as an executor of someone else’s estate if expressly named, which went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“We are taking a vital step to restore dignity and honor to families throughout Illinois to carry out the last wishes and affairs of loved ones,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Families should be free to choose who takes on this sacred duty. This measure will be one less domino in the effect of permanent punishments that devastate children, families and communities of color across Illinois.”

The law allows people with previous felony convictions to act as executor of someone else’s estate. Under the measure, a convicted felon can only serve as an executor if the deceased person expressly named that person in their will and acknowledged they knew the person was a convicted felon.

Under the law, the executor could be disqualified if they have been convicted of financial exploitation of seniors or people with disabilities, financial identity theft or a similar crime in another state or federal court may be disqualified as an executor of an estate in Illinois.

“This law reflects our commitment to second chances, acknowledging the valuable contributions and capabilities of individuals who have served their time,” said Johnson. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in society, and this effort brings us a step closer to inclusivity and fairness in our legal system.”

House Bill 1268 went into effect Jan. 1.

SPRINGFIELD – In May 2022, a 23-year-old resident from the district State Senator Adriane Johnson represents died after an ambulance collided with his motorcycle. Over the next year, she worked with the Fire Chief Association, key stakeholders and his family to honor his life and ensure that no other person is injured or killed in such a way.

“No family should endure the tragedy of losing a loved one due to preventable accidents,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The loss suffered by DJ and his family drives our commitment to ensuring comprehensive training is in place, public safety is prioritized, and future heartbreaking incidents are prevented.”

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 – 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 requires ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

“This law is a promise to safeguard the lives of emergency responders and civilians by ensuring events like this never happen in our community again,” said Johnson. “By expanding training for ambulance drivers, we’re aiming to equip emergency responders with the necessary expertise to navigate our roads, guaranteeing every trip to save a life doesn’t pose a risk to others.”

Senate Bill 1251 went into effect Jan. 1.

WAUKEGAN – In an effort to raise mental health awareness, State Senator Adriane Johnson is collaborating with State Representative Rita Mayfield to host a Self-Care Health Fair to provide resources to local residents.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same amount of support,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “The Self-Care Health Fair is the beginning of a vital six-month long community service project to help local residents prioritize their mental health.”

The six month project will begin with a health fair followed by group and individual therapy during the remaining months. Local and state organizations will be present Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to provide mental health resources to the public at the Eleanor Murkey Community Center of the College of Lake County, located at 34 N. Sheridan Rd. Johnson is inviting Mental Health organizations and licensed professionals interested in participating in the health fair to sign up here.

This ongoing Self-Care Health initiative will take place on the first Saturday of every month starting Feb. 3 until July 13. Licensed therapists interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up here.

“There is an increase in need for mental health care during these vulnerable winter months,” said Johnson. “In hosting the Self-Care Health Fair, we are able to bring awareness and resources to those who need it most.”

Johnson’s office is available to answer questions by calling 847-672-6201 or visiting her website.