It’s been nearly four years since an Illinois law opened the door for nonbinary residents to mark “X” for their gender on driver’s licenses and other state IDs, but the seemingly simple change has yet to take effect in the face of challenges it presents to law enforcement and the health care industry.

       The delay was not unexpected — the Illinois secretary of state’s office said at the time the measure took effect that it would need until 2024 to accommodate the additional gender marker on IDs. But while the office now says it’s “ready to launch,” other entities affected by the change have expressed the need for more time, putting in question when it will actually occur.

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       Supporters of the law expressed frustration over the lengthy rollout period and questioned why agencies such as the Illinois State Police haven’t been better prepared.