SPRINGFIELD – Single-occupancy public restrooms in Illinois will soon be identified as all-gender thanks to a measure from State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) that was signed into law today.

“Making single-occupancy restrooms gender neutral is inclusive, but it also just makes sense,” Bush said. “It's a small change that will make a big impact for thousands of Illinoisans.”

Senate Bill 556 requires any single-occupancy public restroom to be identified as all-gender and requires exterior signage that marks the restroom as such.

“This measure will also help cut down on bathroom lines and just make life easier in general,” Bush said. “It's a common-sense measure that will benefit individuals who don't identify as male or female as well as parents and caregivers who have dependents of the opposite sex.”

The bill takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.