SPRINGFIELD – Individuals could more easily change the sex designation on their birth certificate and receive fee waivers for copies of corrected birth certificates under an initiative proposed by State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which passed committee Wednesday.

“Unnecessary barriers to changing sex on a birth certificate can push marginalized communities further into the margins,” Senator Fine said. “An individual who identifies as female, male or gender nonconforming should be able to have their gender reflected on their birth certificate as easily as they do on their driver’s license.”

Senator Fine’s measure makes it easier for individuals who don’t identify with the sex on their birth certificate or who are intersex to change their original birth certificate by removing the requirement for a note from a medical professional. Eligibility for fee waivers for new birth certificates would also be expanded under this legislation to include individuals who are homeless, released from the Department of Corrections or in a domestic violence shelter.

The requirements set forth in the proposal line up with the requirements for changing sex designation on a driver’s license in Illinois, as well as the requirements for changing sex designation on birth certificates in 12 other states.

“Having access to a birth certificate that properly reflects your identity is the first step to proper identification for everyday activities,” Senator Fine said. “An individual stating their gender identity or that they are intersex should be more than enough for that change to be reflected on their birth certificate.”

House Bill 9 passed the Senate Executive Committee and now goes to the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Healthcare and Family Services would be required to reimburse epilepsy specialists for providing telehealth treatment services under State Senator Laura Fine’s (D-Glenview) legislation, which passed committee Tuesday.

“Epilepsy affects hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans, and it’s important they have the option to seek treatment from the comfort of their home in the midst of a global pandemic,” Senator Fine said. “Epilepsy specialists need to be reimbursed for providing critical telehealth services to their patients.”

There are more than 65 million people around the world who have epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation, and many have sought treatment via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Fine’s legislation would ensure epilepsy specialists in Illinois receive the reimbursement they deserve for providing telehealth treatment to individuals with epilepsy or related disorders.

“Illinoisans deserve access to medical services in a timely manner,” Senator Fine said. “This legislation will make this access more convenient and improve the quality of life for patients. Many other behavioral and medical health providers are already being reimbursed for telehealth services, and expanding this umbrella to include epilepsy specialists will benefit individuals living with epilepsy across the state.”

House Bill 3025 passed the Senate Health Committee and now goes to the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Patients seeking copies of their medical records to file claims for benefits would no longer have to pay for copies under legislation from State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview), which was introduced in the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Tuesday after passing the House with unanimous bipartisan support.

“Illinoisans seeking benefits should not have to spend their hard-earned money on copies of medical records required to file claims,” Senator Fine said. “These benefit programs are in place to help our most vulnerable populations, and it’s imperative that we make the application process as easy as possible.”

Current law only allows homeless indigent veterans to receive medical records from health care facilities and practitioners at no cost to support claims for veterans’ disability benefits. Senator Fine’s measure would expand eligibility to allow anyone to receive free medical records to support a claim for veterans’ disability, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled benefits.

“This has been a successful program for veterans for years, but it’s time to expand eligibility to include other groups,” Senator Fine said. “Benefits programs can’t help people if they are unable to afford to submit claims for benefits.”

House Bill 714 passed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and now goes to the full Senate.

WINNETKA – State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) recently honored 428 Winnetka high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“It takes hard work and dedication to become an Illinois State Scholar, especially during a year filled with trials and tribulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Fine said. “I am immensely proud of the students in our community who earned this prestigious academic award.”

The Scholars from Winnetka include students from two area high schools, including New Trier High School and North Shore Country Day School.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“Our Illinois State Scholars deserve our praise and admiration,” Senator Fine said. “I can’t wait to see the opportunities that lie ahead for these students.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.