SPRINGFIELD – A groundbreaking initiative led by State Senator Mike Simmons to empower caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services was signed into law on Friday.

“Haircare and hair styles are crucial forms of self-expression, identity, and connection to race, culture and ethnicity,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too often, youth in care lose a piece of that while they are in foster care – especially Black children and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems.”

Simmons’ new law requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare by June 1, 2025. His law outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training, including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ legislation to update language and more accurately represent public health with expanded definitions was signed into law on Friday.

“When legislation accurately represents the diverse experiences and needs of individuals, it sends a powerful message that everyone's well-being matters and that seeking health care is a fundamental right, not something to be ashamed of,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This is especially important in the scope of sexual health, where stigma can prevent people from seeking necessary medical attention, leading to adverse health outcomes and perpetuating cycles of misinformation and shame.”

Simmons’ law takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health by changing language, including updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, his law will include HPV and mpox within the definition of STIs.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to State Senator Mike Simmons, Illinois is prepared to have a renewed focus on identifying and tackling health care disparities through a newly established Health Outcomes Review Board, which was signed into law on Friday.

Simmons' new law puts us on the path to the creation of an equitable Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will be dedicated to collecting and reporting de-identified health data with a focus on demographic factors like race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and languages spoken.

“The Health Outcomes Review Board will be able to identify and address disparities in health care and improve policies for communities that have not been well-served by our health care systems,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable maternal mortality rates of African American mothers, or inadequate access to specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and provide recommendations for addressing them.”

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mike Simmons’ new law will extend the deadline for filing human rights violations in the workplace and public accommodations, securing a broader scope of accountability among employers. Senate Bill 3310 was signed into law on Friday.

Under Simmons' new law, the deadline for filing and seeking redress for a civil rights violation in employment and public accommodations will be extended from 300 days to two years.

“Trauma can often take time to process, and individuals may need additional time to gather their thoughts, emotions and evidence before feeling ready to make a formal complaint,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By extending the timeline that someone can file a complaint, folks can feel safer and more supported to report instances of misconduct, abuse or harassment.”