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“Corporal punishment is an outdated practice,” said Johnson.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.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure to ensure students have the housing and resources they need to succeed.

“Students deserve adequate shelter and transportation. It is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Moreover, when basic needs are met, parents are more likely to engage with their child's school activities, attend meetings, and support their educational journey.”

House Bill 5407 would expand the uses for funds received by school districts from the Education of Homeless Children and Youth State Grant Program. If enacted, school districts would be permitted to use grant funding for rental assistance, transportation, emergency shelter assistance, case management services, and other housing strategies. The Illinois State Board of Education reported 58,498 students experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.

“Shelter and reliable transportation are foundational elements that support the overall development and educational success of young people,” said Johnson. “They provide the necessary stability, health and access to resources that enable students to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

House Bill 5407 passed the Senate Tuesday and heads to the governor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson championed a measure Wednesday to enhance air quality in schools – ensuring better health outcomes for students.

“Many children suffer from asthma and allergies, which can be exacerbated by poor indoor air quality,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “By identifying solutions for quality air ventilation in schools, we are able to better assess how schools can remain a healthy environment for students and staff.”

House Bill 4903 would task the Illinois State Board of Education, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health, to compile resources to assess air quality and maintain ventilation systems in schools. ISBE would implement outreach strategies to make these resources available to elementary and secondary schools.

“Establishing requirements for schools in regard to air quality monitoring is essential,” said Johnson. “This is a vital step toward promoting a healthy, safe, and conducive learning environment with benefits beyond academic performance.”

House Bill 4903 passed the Senate Wednesday and heads to the governor for final approval.