Illinois State Representative Ryan Spain announced on April 15 the unanimous passage of House Bill 4382, also known as “DJ’s Law,” which aims to improve safety for young drivers in Illinois. The legislation was inspired by the memory of DJ Dorathy, a Prophetstown High School student who died in a car accident on March 28, 2024.
The new bill mandates a six-month suspension of driving privileges for young drivers convicted of violating unrelated passenger restrictions if they are involved in an accident that results in disability or death. The law seeks to address concerns about consequences for unsafe driving practices among teens.
Spain said, “We have to do everything we can to work with our young people to let them know we care about their safety and want to protect their lives.” He delivered his remarks before the Illinois House of Representatives while honoring DJ Dorathy and acknowledging the efforts of DJ’s mother, Chasity Dorathy, who has advocated for increased awareness around teen driver safety.
The incident that prompted this legislation involved a surviving driver who violated passenger restrictions under the graduated driver’s license program and received only a two-month suspension after an accident that killed three students including DJ Dorathy. With his family present at the Speaker’s Gallery above the House Floor, Spain passed HB 4382 unanimously.
“Young drivers must recognize there are serious consequences if they are involved in an accident involving a tragedy like what happened to DJ,” said Spain as he paid tribute to Chasity Dorathy’s advocacy work from Tampico.
House Bill 4382 will next be considered by the Illinois State Senate before potentially moving on to the Governor. Spain has served as representative since being elected in 2017 according to Ballotpedia.
