SPRINGFIELD – In 2026, over 700 anti-transgender bills have been considered or filed across U.S. state and federal legislatures. To strengthen privacy protections, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing House Bill 5095 to codify Illinois’ existing policy, allowing gender marker updates on IDs through self-attestation.
“People should not have to worry that their personal records or identity documents could suddenly be politicized depending on who is elected,” said 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.”
According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one-third of transgender people have faced harassment or denial of service when IDs did not match their identity.
To protect existing policy while reinforcing privacy safeguards, the proposal would reinforce current Illinois Secretary of State practices, update outdated language and prohibit disclosure of gender designation forms without a court order.
“Driver’s licenses are more than a piece of plastic we carry in our wallets; they are the key to participating in nearly every aspect of the modern world,” said State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). “Whether driving your car or opening a new bank account, it’s important that one’s ID reflects how they view themselves. This change would ensure that non-binary individuals in Illinois can live as their true selves, even as states across the country and even the federal government continue to attack LGBTQ+ rights.”
House Bill 5095 passed the Senate on Thursday and heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.
