Pritzker signs new laws expanding LGBTQ+ protections in Illinois

(WAND) — Governor JB Pritzker signed several bills into law Sunday to ensure Illinois stays welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

"I am proud to sign three bills that will expand on my administration's work to make Illinois a safe, empowering, and inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community," Pritzker said. "It has been a long road to get here, and the work will continue until all Illinoisans are safe, healthy, and free to express their truest selves. As governor, I will continue to build on our progress."

Pritzker signed laws protecting private medical information, expanding access to hormone therapy, and establishing in law the process for choosing a gender market on Illinois IDs and driver's licenses.

"Who you are, how you access health care, and the decisions you make about your own body should be met with respect — not barriers or fear," Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. "These laws send a clear message to our LGBTQ+ community that you belong, your rights matter, and Illinois will continue to protect your dignity, privacy and freedom."

Protecting Private Medical Information

HB 4834 removes testosterone from the Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP) and prevents the addition of estrogen, mifepristone, and misoprostol to the program, preempting the misuse of personal details related to gender affirming and reproductive health care.

The ILPMP is an electronic database that collects and tracks information about specific medications and treatments. The governor's office said it is an important tool used by over 30 states to prevent the over-prescription of some drugs, but can be abused by states where gender affirming care is illegal or limited.

The law is effective immediately.

Enshrining Self-Selection Process for Gender on State IDs

HB 5095 codifies in law the Secretary of State's current self-attestation process for gender marker corrections on driver's licenses and IDs, allowing the choice of "male," "female," or "X." The law also guarantees that the self-reported gender market information remains confidential.

This law is effective on January 1, 2027.

Expanding Access to Hormone Therapy

HB 5492 requires insurance companies to cover up to a six-month supply of prescription hormone therapy, if a health care provider or pharmacist decides that the larger supply is clinically appropriate for a patient.

This law is effective on January 1, 2027.