SPRINGFIELD – Over one third of all Illinoisans are renters, and half pay more than 30% of their income toward rent. State Senator Mike Simmons is fighting for legislation that would ban junk fees, require transparency on housing fees in a lease, and regulate move-in fees charged to tenants.

“For rental tenants, fees can add up to hundreds of dollars a month, making even affordable units out of reach, which ultimately displaces people from our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “We must protect tenants from egregious fees and predatory lease clauses.”

House Bill 3564 would create the Rental Fee Transparency and Fairness Act, which would require transparency of housing fees on the first page of a lease, regulate move-in fees, and ban 12 junk fees.

SPRINGFIELD – To provide the safest conditions possible for cyclists, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to update sign requirements on bike trails where there are known hazards.

“Improved signage around pathway hazards or emergencies is a simple way to keep everyone safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When someone chooses to ride their bike, whether to commute or for enjoyment, they should be confident they are safe and protected.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, House Bill 2675, local government and municipality-owned bicycle trails must contain signage or other warning markers alerting cyclists to known emergencies or hazards. If a highway crossing is already controlled by a stop light or stop sign, additional crossing signage for cyclists would not be required.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons introduced legislation to increase support for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s clean drinking water programs across the state.

“This funding will help us stay ahead of emerging contaminants in drinking water,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Every community has a right to clean and safe drinking water, and we need to stay diligent in the state of Illinois.”

Under Senate Bill 1609, $5 million would be allocated to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency each year to support clean drinking water initiatives. The Illinois EPA recently notified 47 public water systems in Illinois that their water contains PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” underscoring the need for sustainable funding for clean water initiatives.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons introduced legislation that would automatically translate state websites into at least 25 languages, removing a basic barrier to anyone seeking online state resources, but does not speak English as a first language.

“In the 7th District, over 100 languages are spoken, which is a reflection of the entire state of IL. By providing translation of state websites in up to 25 languages, we provide access to vital resources like SNAP, Medicaid, and many other state services,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “When folks can access resources independently, it increases their wellbeing and ability to live fully realized lives.”

Under Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 1262, the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology would be required to develop and implement a system that automatically translates websites operated by the state into at least 25 languages.