This spring, I’m sponsoring several House bills in the Senate focused on supporting veterans, strengthening public safety, improving stability for students, and retaining experienced investigators in state service.
One of the measures I’m sponsoring, originally filed in the House by State Representative Brandun Schweizer, would reestablish the Veterans’ Services Task Force to help identify gaps in care and improve support for veterans across Illinois. Our veterans deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve action, and this proposal is about making sure we are doing everything we can to protect the health of the men and women who served our country.
I’m also sponsoring “DJ’s Law” together with State Representative Ryan Spain following the tragic death of Whiteside County teen DJ Dorathy. The bill would strengthen penalties for violations of Illinois’ graduated driver’s license passenger restrictions in crashes involving serious injury or death. I believe we have a responsibility to encourage safe driving habits among young people and do everything possible to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.
Another bill I’m sponsoring, originally introduced by State Representative Bradley Fritts, would provide greater stability for students and families during school district deactivations. The proposal extends the required length of agreements between deactivating school districts and receiving districts from two years to four years when students are sent to multiple districts. This change would help reduce uncertainty for families while giving school districts more time to plan for staffing, resources, and long-term needs.
I’m also backing legislation, originally sponsored by State Representative Patrick Sheehan in the House, to modernize state law governing investigators under the Secretary of State’s office. The bill would allow investigators to remain in service until age 65 instead of the current limit of age 60, helping retain experienced personnel with years of knowledge and proven judgment.
I appreciate the work of my colleagues in the House on these proposals and look forward to continuing to advance legislation that support the local communities and people of Illinois.