SPRINGFIELD – To improve public transportation and increase the number of clean energy buses, State Senator Mike Simmons secured passage of a bill that will accelerate the rollout of electric buses under the Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace as part of a broader bill.

“As a lifelong user of public transit, I know how important it is to improve our public transit systems by making strides in accessibility, reliability and sustainability,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This broad piece of legislation addresses many issues in our public transit system, including rolling out a more environmentally friendly bus fleet at-scale within multiple transit systems across northern Illinois, and I was proud to help lead and secure its passage.”

Simmons legislation, SB1864, accelerates the timeline for electrification of the RTA transit systems so that beginning on January 1, 2026, the transit agencies may not enter into a contract or purchase any buses that are not zero-emissions buses for service. 

The broader bill, House Bill 1342, chief-cosponsored by Simmons, includes many positive initiatives including reduced ride fares for young people and survivors of domestic violence. The bill creates a program requiring the RTA to distribute preloaded fare cards to service providers of survivors of domestic violence and their dependents, as well as requires the CTA to provide reduced fares for youth-involved jobs programs and requires PACE and Metra to create or participate in a youth jobs or internship program. The bill also initiates a study looking into reduced ride fares for returning citizens and veterans. Lastly, the bill provides CTA with flexibility on the fare box recovery ratio to help the agency recover and regain ridership to pre-pandemic levels. 

“This is a timely and terrific piece of legislation,” Simmons said. “So many people rely on public transportation, and this initiative not only helps them, but puts us on the path toward clean energy.”

House Bill 1342 passed the Senate on Wednesday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons’ bill to improve the quality of life for residents staying in affordable housing advanced out of the House on Thursday, May 11. Senate Bill 2013 is in direct response to the deaths of three Rogers Park residents who lived in a senior living complex and died of suspected heat exhaustion last May.

“It was a senseless tragedy to lose three beloved members of our community. No one should have to live in a home that is too cold in the winter and sweltering in the summer,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill will hold housing providers accountable in making sure our neighbors, both in the 7th district and across the state, live in safe, humane housing.”

Senate Bill 2013 requires any residential building that is financed under the Illinois Affordable Housing Program to meet minimum standard of living conditions to continue receiving funding from the program.

The measure would require specific air conditioning and heating provisions to be included in all affordable housing. It also clarifies language in regards to maintenance, upkeep and laundry.

“It is a basic human right to live in safe, accessible, and clean environments, with air-conditioning, heating, working laundry machines and basic maintenance provisions,” Simmons said. “Residents of affordable housing deserve the same respect and care afforded to everyone.”

Having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, Senate Bill 2013 will be sent to the governor for final approval.

###

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Chicago residents are notified of lead service line replacements and have access to a clean water supply, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a bill out of the Senate Thursday.

“Replacing lead pipes in our communities is about doing right by our Chicago residents,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “People need to know when improvements are being made that affect their water supply, especially anything involving the removal of lead pipes.”

House Bill 2776 requires that, in addition to a written notice, a community water supply operator must send a notice via email to property owners and occupants of buildings affected by lead service line replacements, and requires the City of Chicago to publicly post data on their website on the progress of replacing lead service lines.

This initiative will address concerns regarding installation and the progress of lead pipe replacement and will only apply to the City of Chicago.

“Lead pipe replacement is necessary and we want people to be prepared,” Simmons said. “We need to make certain that the city is effectively communicating the risks and construction timelines so that residents can plan ahead.”

House Bill 2776 passed the Senate on Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mike Simmons advanced a measure to provide safer heating and cooling standards for homes in 55 and up communities.

“Every resident in our state should live with the confidence that their housing conditions are safe,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “It is our responsibility to ensure our older resident neighbors, both in the 7th District and across the state, live in safe and humane housing conditions.” 

House Bill 2562 would create heating and cooling standards for properties that limit their ownership, rental and occupancy to people 55 years old or older.

Between June 1 and Sept. 30, cooling systems would be required to operate when the heat exceeds 80 degrees. Between Oct. 1 and May 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., heat would have to register at least 68 degrees when the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., heat would be required to register at least 62 degrees. If the property does not have a building-wide cooling system for individual units, then at least one indoor common gathering space with a cooling system must be provided.

This bill is in tandem with Simmons’ Senate Bill 2013, which requires any residential building that is state-funded to meet minimum standard of living conditions to continue receiving funding from the program, including proper air-conditioning and heating. That measure was inspired when three residents of a Rogers Park senior living complex tragically died of suspected heat exhaustion last May. SB2013 ensures all residents of state-supported affordable housing have adequate cooling in the hot months and heating in the colder months, while HB2562 extends those protections to residents of condo buildings and all other buildings that house residents 55 years of age and older. 

“No one should have to gamble their life over operational housing,” Simmons said. “This bill is not a comfort bill – this bill protects the well-being of some of our most vulnerable populations.”

House Bill 2562 passed the Senate.