SPRINGFIELD – To extend privacy to families with adult children with disabilities, State Senator Laura Ellman led a law that provides new occupancy standards for elderly parents with a disabled adult child of the opposite sex.

“I was contacted by an elderly mother living in public housing who shares a single bedroom with her disabled adult son, and I received earlier reports of residents concerned about family members of the opposite sex in this living situation,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Individuals should feel safe and have dignity living in their homes. This law ensures these families are able to live in a space that meets their unique circumstances.”

This law provides that an elderly parent and an adult child with disabilities of the opposite sex are not required to occupy subsidized housing with only one bedroom. The law also requires the local housing authority to make exceptions to their occupancy standards in these situations, as long as all other eligibility requirements are met.

“I am pleased to know these families have the opportunity to receive the living arrangement appropriate to them, allowing them to live comfortably,” said Ellman. “This law prioritizes Illinois families and their needs.”

Senate Bill 3351 was signed into law on Friday and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2025.