We must pass the Name Change Modernization bill in the next session of the General Assembly to advance safety and health equity for transgender and gender-expansive people. Illinois’ current name change law is draconian, requiring 10-years post felony conviction for a name change. Furthermore, Illinois permanently bars name changes for people convicted of identity theft. This prevents transgender and gender-expansive people from changing their names and causes discrimination in employment, healthcare and housing. The existing statute that governs the ability to change names must be modernized to support transgender and gender-expansive people. I will immediately sign on as a co-sponsor to the Name Change Modernization Bill and work tirelessly to persuade colleagues of its importance and help get it over the finish line by next summer.

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