SPRINGFIELD – Continuing his work to remove barriers when accessing housing and state services, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation that would remove a notary requirement for unhoused residents who apply for a free state identification card.

“A major barrier for unhoused folks is that they often have no form of official identification, which means they cannot apply for a job, a transit card, housing, and much more. In order to apply for a free state ID, the person is currently required to get the signature of a notary. This is simply too difficult,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Easing the requirement for unhoused residents to get ID cards means they can get back on their feet sooner.”

Currently, application fees for standard Illinois state IDs are waived for unhoused individuals, but their application must be accompanied by a notarized affirmation. This can be difficult for individuals with little financial resources, as notary fees vary but can cost up to $25. Under Senate Bill 1173, the notary requirement for unhoused individuals to apply for and obtain a state ID would be lifted.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed a bill through committee on Tuesday that would allow bicyclists to perform an Idaho Stop and safely move through intersections.

“Current rules of the road prevent cyclists from being able to safely react to traffic in an intersection,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill grants riders the ability to make the safest decision possible when approaching a stop sign.”

Under the new legislation, Senate Bill 2111, anyone operating a bicycle on the roadways of Illinois would have the ability to perform an Idaho stop.

SPRINGFIELD – As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office to serve in the Illinois Senate, State Senator Mike Simmons proudly rose during session to recognize March 2 as Adwa Day, a national holiday in Ethiopia commemorating the pivotal Battle of Adwa, celebrated by more than 130 million people throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora.

“In Illinois, and indeed in the 7^th District, there is a sizable Ethiopian and Eritrean population,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “As the son of an Ethiopian refugee, and as the very first Ethiopian-American to take the oath of office, I am proud to uplift our history and celebrate Adwa Day.”

Adwa Day commemorates the pivotal Battle of Adwa where a militia of more than 100,000 men and women decisively fought off European colonialism on March 2, 1896 in the mountain town of Adwa. Ethiopia holds the place as the only African nation to remain independent and sovereign, never colonized, and officially recognized by global powers throughout the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide translation for the most commonly spoken languages in Illinois, State Senator Mike Simmons is pushing for legislation that would require state websites to engage automatic translation of the website into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in the state.

“Dozens of languages are commonly spoken in Illinois, and especially within the 7th District. Many state programs and resources are simply inaccessible due to language barriers, which in turn disenfranchises entire communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Translating state websites communicates the importance of being able to access information in a person’s native language, and increases the likelihood that people receive the help they need when turning to state resources.”

Simmons’ Senate Bill 1262 would require the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to develop and implement a system that automatically translates websites operated by the state into the 100 most commonly spoken languages in Illinois by Jan. 1, 2026.