SPRINGFIELD, IL - Freshman State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Gifford) has had a very busy inaugural session in the General Assembly. Eighteen of the Senator's bill have been passed by both chambers and are on their way to the Governor's desk for final approval.

"For this being my first legislative session, I am pleased with the progress of so many of the bills I've introduced," said Senator Frerichs. "A lot of good legislation has gone through the senate this year and I anticipate many of the bills to have a noticeable positive impact on the State of Illinois and its residents."

Frerichs' bills awaiting the Governor's signature include adding distracted driving to driver education curriculum, firefighter disability reform, increased whistleblower protection, and a preference for biobased products.

Frerichs' Senate Bill 1557 would require high school driver education courses to acknowledge distracted driving as a major traffic safety issue by adding classroom instruction on the issue to the curriculum. His Senate Bill 1553 would protect disabled firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics who file a disability pension application due to a physical or mental disability from being discharged because of it.

Senator Frerichs also sponsored significant legislation that came to the Senate from the House of Representatives. House Bill 742 expands current whistleblower protections to educational employees and local governments which Frerichs believes will further promote openness and protection in the workplace at all levels. House Bill 634 gives preference to bidders on state contracts that use biobased products, if the cost is not more than 5% greater than non biobased products.

Legislation will become state law once signed by the Governor. Senator Frerichs has additional legislation still pending in both chambers of which he hopes will be sent to the Governor before the General Assembly's adjournment.