SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker's approval could protect the privacy of transgender people by allowing gender marker updates on state IDs through self-certification.

The Illinois Secretary of State's office already allows people to choose X instead of nonbinary.

This bill would reinforce that practice, update outdated language and ban disclosure of gender designation forms without a court order.

"It would also codify how the form is to be submitted and would ensure the attestations on the form are maintained as private," said Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago).

The National Center for Transgender Equality says nearly one-third of transgender people have faced harassment or denial of service when IDs did not match their identity. 

House Bill 5095 received partisan votes in both chambers this spring.

"People should not have to worry that their personal records or identity documents could suddenly be politicized depending on who is elected," said Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). "Transgender individuals face harassment daily head-on and are never sure if their own rights are secured. This legislation provides stability, protects privacy, and ensures Illinois continues treating people with respect."  

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