Individuals with severe disabilities and their caregivers will soon see improved accessibility throughout the state thanks to Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin’s (R-Morris) legislation being signed into law.
Senate Bill 1089, also known as Sami’s Law, would require the State Capitol building and all of the state’s rest stops to install at least one publicly accessible adult changing station. Five states have successfully passed legislation that requires some form of adult changing station accessibility, and twelve more states have introduced similar types of bills.
“Sami’s Law will provide individuals with severe disabilities and their caregivers with the means to more easily enjoy the world,” said Sen. Rezin. “I hope with the signing of this legislation we can ensure that this vulnerable population will have the opportunity to share more rewarding experiences within their lives and receive the dignity they deserve.”
Sami’s Law was created as an initiative of one of Sen. Rezin’s district staffers. The bill is named after that staffer’s 26-year-old daughter, who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly and was signed into law by the Governor on August 9.