SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced an important measure that honors the need for constituents to know more about who represents them in Springfield.

“In 2021, I became the first openly LGBTQ+ person sworn into the Illinois Senate,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It’s important for the district I represent to know that for the first time in the 200-year history of Illinois, they are represented by an LGBTQ+ state senator. I am thrilled to see this bill finally advance.”

Simmons’ measure, Senate Bill 863, modernizes printing rules governing bulk mail sent to constituents to allow General Assembly members to list biographical information. This legislation extends current practices on the General Assembly website to print mail.

Simmons’ legislation would not impact current restrictions on biographical details related to current or past campaigns, details about family members or details about any business that could provide an economic benefit to the member or their family.

“Whether you’re an LGBTQ+ member, a survivor of domestic violence, a military veteran or a second-generation small business owner, it’s only fair that we, as elected officials, can present who we are to our constituents,” said Simmons. “Further, many of our constituents are on the other side of the digital divide or cannot access online materials. This bill will ensure we can reach all of our constituents and give them a sense of who’s representing them.”

Senate Bill 863 passed the Senate on Thursday and awaits further consideration in the House.