Welcome to Senator Mike Simmons Legislative Website

Simmons’ new law protects pharmacists and pharmacy benefits

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons spearheaded a new law to address critical issues facing pharmacists and pharmacy benefits by prohibiting Pharmacy Benefit Managers from retaliating against pharmacists for exercising their right to freedom of speech.

“This is a consumer protection initiative that will also protect our local pharmacists,” said Simmons (D – Chicago). “In recent years, Pharmacy Benefit Managers have abused their market power to implement policies. These practices negatively affect consumer health plans, pharmacies and patients. The policies and practices are driving many pharmacies out of business, jeopardizing patient access to essential care, and creating pharmacy deserts. That stops now.”

Pharmacy Benefit Managers are intermediary firms that facilitate prescription drug benefits claims for health insurers. House Bill 3631 bans Pharmacy Benefit Managers from retaliating against pharmacists who disclose information to a court, administrative hearing, a legislative commission or more, as long as the pharmacist reasonably believes the information they have disclosed is evidence of a violation.

“This law protects pharmacists and their right to discuss with representatives how operational practices impact their ability to provide needed patient care and medication,” said Simmons. “Threats imposed by Pharmacy Benefit Managers limit access to care, and as we continue to emerge from the pandemic, protecting our pharmacists is imperative to our pharmacists ability to serve our communities.”

House Bill 3631 was signed into law and went into immediate effect.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Simmons to provide backpacks and school supplies for local youth

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons and his staff will host a Back to School Bash in Rogers Park to ensure children have a successful school year this fall.
The event will feature a live DJ, school supplies, backpack giveaways, free food and community resources. Students of all grade levels and families are encouraged to attend.

WHO: State Senator Mike Simmons and staff

WHAT: Back to School Bash

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 18 from 6 - 7 p.m.

WHERE: Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, 6631 N. Bosworth Ave. Chicago, IL 60626

Senator Simmons Champions New Laws, Student Mental Health Council Accepting Applications, and New Small Business Grant Opportunities

General Updates from Senator Mike Simmons

Dear Neighbor,

I am happy to announce that work on my district office is now complete! We made some changes that I believe will make the space even more welcoming for constituents, including an outside space for folks to meet and enjoy the warm weather. Please stop by and say hello soon. We are here for you.

In other updates, I tested positive for COVID-19 last week and had to quarantine and spend a few days recovering. I want to encourage everyone to keep healthy in the weeks ahead, and remember to follow health department guidelines if you feel ill or think you may have had a recent exposure. Free testing is available at many local stores and pharmacies. As always, feel free to call my office if you need help finding healthcare or lack a primary health care home. We will help guide you.

On another topic, I have great news: I passed a youth mental health bill last year, Senate Bill 4028 that creates the first statewide Student Mental Health Council. I encourage young people aged 14–25 to apply for the council before the Sept. 22 deadline.

A handful more of my bills were signed into law recently. Read on for details on those as well as key community updates and new resources.

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to our summer interns Ochii, Justin, and Byron who are wrapping up their internships soon.

Sincerely,

Mike Simmons
State Senator | 7th District

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Legislative Updates

Caption: Senator Mike Simmons led passage of three bills signed into law this July.

This month, several bills I authored and supported were signed into law, including Senate Bill 1710 and Senate Bill 2014.

Additionally, I helped advance multiple House Bills through the Senate, including House Bill 2131, House Bill 1342, House Bill 2297, and House Bill 3631.

Bike and pedestrian safety improvements: Senate Bill 2014 improves coordination of bike and pedestrian safety upgrades during state road maintenance projects.

Warning signs on bike trails: Senate Bill 1710 adds advance warning signage near bike crossings to improve safety.

Public transportation improvements: House Bill 1342 expands transit accessibility, youth programs, and service improvements.

Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force: House Bill 2131 creates a task force to reduce traffic fatalities statewide.

Inclusive workforce policy: House Bill 2297 improves inclusion tracking for state workforce diversity.

Pharmacy protections: House Bill 3631 protects pharmacists who report legal violations.

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Senator Mike Simmons In the News

• Crain’s Chicago Business coverage on rent control policy discussions
• State Journal-Register reporting on Illinois prison labor system
• The Daily Line coverage of prisoner voting rights legislation
• Chicago Tribune reporting on transit accessibility for seniors and disabled riders

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Senator Mike Simmons’ Updates

Portrait by Megan Williamson – “ZOOM”

Caption: Portrait of Senator Mike Simmons, painted by Megan Williamson for her solo exhibit “Zoom.”

I am honored to be featured in artist Megan Williamson’s solo exhibit “Zoom,” on display at the Swope Art Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana.

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Illinois Launches the First Statewide Student Mental Health Council

Senate Bill 4028 created a statewide Student Mental Health Council to elevate youth voices in mental health policy.

Applications are now open for the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership Youth Council.

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Read the full newsletter

Simmons' pedestrian and cyclist safety plan signed into law by the governor

CHICAGO – Pedestrian and cyclist safety will improve thanks to a new law led by State Senator Mike Simmons which will require infrastructure improvements to roads whenever routine maintenance is conducted.

“It can be stressful to bike along a path or road with cars, especially when going on a bike ride with kids,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This initiative will help ensure bike and pedestrian safety improvements are efficiently completed in tandem with routine work such as pothole or street lighting repairs.”

These new sets of laws will require the Illinois Department of Transportation to develop a policy that focuses on installing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure on State roadways in Illinois. Potential infrastructure improvements that can be made include higher-visibility signage, crosswalk upgrades, curb bump outs, lower speed limits, barrier-protected bike lanes, and improved bus shelters. These improvements can be made if they are located within 500 feet of the routine maintenance work. This law applies to any state roads, whether it is located within or outside a municipality.

“Everyone has a right to be safe, whether they choose to walk, bike, or drive,” Simmons said. “This common-sense and efficient new law will prevent future accidents and tragedies, and make our roads safer for all methods of transportation.”

Senate Bill 2014 was signed into law on August 4, 2023 and went into immediate effect.