SPRINGFIELD – After hearing from constituents who have faced barriers to accessing medical equipment from pharmacies even when they have a prescription, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation to help qualifying individuals access necessary supplies from a pharmacist.

“This bill clarifies that patients who have prescriptions for injectable medications are entitled to also purchase clean needles from a pharmacist,” said Simmons. “Allowing pharmacists to make informed decisions ultimately safeguards public health.”

Currently, pharmacists are allowed to sell up to 100 sterile hypodermic needles or syringes to a person who is at least 18 years old.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading legislation that would allow the use of municipal wastewater for industrial processing, reclaiming it from a variety of sources.

“Utilizing treated wastewater reflects our commitment to sustainable resource management,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative not only conserves water but also supports environmental resilience.”

By reclaiming water from a variety of sources, treating it and reusing it, industrial wastewater could be used for power generation or cooling of data centers. Because this water may have limited contact with humans, it tends to be less costly and less energy intensive to treat and reuse, ultimately saving money and resources for communities.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons is moving legislation to update warning sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards.

“When someone chooses to ride their bike or walk as an alternative to motor transportation, or simply wants to get some exercise, they should know they are safe and protected,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Better signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is a simple way to keep everyone safe.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, House Bill 2675, local government and municipality-owned bicycle trails must contain signage or other warning markers alerting cyclists to known emergencies or hazards. If a highway crossing is already controlled by a stop light or stop sign, additional crossing signage for cyclists would not be required.

SPRINGFIELD – With lifesaving medication being one of the most effective means of preventing HIV diagnoses, State Senator Mike Simmons is proud to support the Illinois Department of Public Health’s initiative to allow Illinois residents to obtain HIV preventive medication known as PrEP directly from a pharmacist without requiring a doctor’s prescription.

"PrEP saves lives, and removing the prescription barrier means more people – especially in the LGBTQ+ community – will be provided with lifesaving care,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This is a major step forward in health equity in Illinois.” 

In June 2022, Simmons passed House Bill 4430 into law, which allows pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals on HIV pre-exposure drugs and post-exposure drugs like PrEP.