Gov. JB Pritzker has signed SB 556, which amends the Equitable Restrooms Act to address signage on single-occupancy restrooms in the state.
According to the rule, signed by Pritzker on July 26, single-occupancy restrooms shall be designated and labeled as "all-gender" or "gender-neutral."
The rule additionally states that single-occupancy restrooms be designated for single-occupants, families or persons requiring assistance.
The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2020. SB 556 was introduced in the Senate by state Sen. Melinda Bush ( D-Grayslake ) and in the House by openly gay state Rep. Sam Yingling ( D-Round Beach Lake ); both state houses passed the legislation and forwarded it to Pritzker in May.
Restroom- and public accommodations-access issues have come to the fore in recent years as transgender individuals have faced both harassment and public policies targeting their use of restrooms designated for the gender with which they identify. Laws such as SB 556 would presumably ease access for transgender persons by eliminating the single-gender designation.