Grundy Reporter

Senator Sue Rezin stated, "people with severe disabilities should be able to equally enjoy the same amount of access to the outside world as everyone else." The senator, who has represented the 38th Senate District since 2010, added that "with the passage of Sami's Law, we can help provide that."

"Senate Bill 1089, also known as Sami's Law, unanimously advanced out of the Senate today," said Rezin, State Senator, according to Facebook. "People with severe disabilities should be able to equally enjoy the same amount of access to the outside world as everyone else. With the passage of Sami's Law, we can help provide that."

In a Facebook post, Senator Rezin shared a video of her speech on the house floor in support of Senate Bill 1089. She explained, "Senate Bill 1089, also known as Sami’s Law would require the state Capitol building and all of the state’s rest stops to install at least one publicly accessible adult-changing station. Sami’s Law is a hard-fought initiative of one of my district staffers, Renee Abraham. The law garners its name from Renee’s 26-year-old daughter who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy. Sami’s neuromuscular disease has taken away her ability to walk and has limited her ability to eat and breathe without assistance."

Screenshot of Sen. Sue Rezin's May 16 Facebook post | Senator Sue Rezin's Facebook page

According to the Illinois General Assembly page dedicated to the bill, Senate Bill 1089 was first filed on Feb. 2 by Sen. John F. Curran. On May 9, Senator Rezin became the chief sponsor. A Senate Floor Amendment specified that this amendatory Act "may be referred to as Sami’s Law." It further "amends the Equitable Restrooms Act," mandating that each State-owned building install and maintain at least one adult changing station and ensure information about their locations is provided.

Rezin continued her speech on the house floor stating, "However, it hasn’t taken away her ability to think, learn, and enjoy life that she was given. Sami’s family has faced many obstacles throughout her life, including taking her to places. Like Sami’s family, so many caregivers struggle to find a clean place to change their loved ones while not at home. Given the lack of a place to easily conduct such a change on an adult, many caregivers would have to avoid long trips, which limits the life experiences for these vulnerable individuals. People with disabilities should be able to equally enjoy the same amount of access to the outside world as everyone else."

Rezin was appointed to the State Senate in December 2010 and has continuously served the people of the 38th Senate District. In 2021, she was selected as Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. In 2015, she collaborated with local employers to establish an Operations Engineering and Technician technical program at Joliet Junior College. She holds a degree in International Business and Political Science from Augustana College and has co-owned and managed her family’s real estate company.