SB 954, also known as "Devin’s Law," was brought to Senator Sullivan by the VanBrooker family of Plymouth after their son, Devin, was tragically killed when a car struck his motorcycle on May 4, 2010. The driver who caused the accident had a record of dangerous driving. Devin’s Law would require certain people with a track-record of dangerous driving, like the individual who struck Devin, to carry additional liability insurance. Devin’s parents, Dan and Susan, came to Springfield to testify before the Senate Transportation Committee on this bill.

Senator Sullivan’s SB 956 fixes a problem brought to his attention by the Carthage Fire Department. The bill clarifies that emergency vehicles can, in fact, use their oscillating lights when parked at the scene of an emergency. The Carthage Fire Chief first recognized the problem in the original law when he and another firefighter responded to an accident, using their oscillating lights to warn and slow traffic on an ice-covered road. The measure passed the State Senate with unanimous support.

Several churches from across the 47th district came to Senator Sullivan with the idea behind SB 2037. The measure, which also passed the State Senate with unanimous support, changes elevator certification requirements for places of worship. The cost of elevator certification had become increasingly burdensome for these not-for-profit organizations. SB 2037 results in a cost-savings of $200-$400 annually for churches and other places of worship.

"It’s been my privilege to work with my constituents on these bills," said Sullivan. "By working together, I hope to make sure our state laws work for the people, not against them."

These three bills now move to the Illinois House for further consideration.