State Representative Ryan Spain (R- 73rd District) delivered an impassioned speech before the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, honoring the life of Whiteside County teen DJ Dorathy. Following was passage of legislation proposed by DJ’s family to improve safety for young drivers in Illinois.
“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,” said Representative Spain.
House Bill 4382 provides for a six-month suspension of driving privileges for young drivers convicted in violation of unrelated passenger restrictions who have been involved in an accident involving disability or death.
DJ Dorathy, a well-liked, Prophetstown High School student athlete, was tragically killed along with two other young students, in a vehicle crash on March 28, 2024. The surviving driver was found in violation of the unrelated passenger restrictions on their Graduated Driver’s License for drivers of this age. They subsequently received a two-month suspension of their driving privileges. DJ’s mother, Chasity, has striven to turn their families’ grief into action–to improve driving safety for young people across Illinois. On Wednesday, Spain passed House Bill 4382 (“DJ’s Law”) unanimously, with the Dorathy Family looking on from the Speaker’s Gallery above the House Floor.
“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. He then paid tribute to Chasity Dorathy, of Tampico, for her efforts to bring awareness to young driver safety.
HB 4382 will now go to the Illinois State Senate for consideration in that chamber before being sent to Governor JB Pritzer.
A video of Rep. Spain’s presentation of the bill is available at RepRyanSpain.com.