Illinois' same-sex marriage legislation makes gay and lesbian couples wait until June to get married.
But Senator Don Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat, says he wants to shorten those engagements.
He's behind a proposal that could allow same-sex marriages in early 2014.
"We would substitute an immediate effective date, which means as soon as this new bill is signed into law, it would accelerate the effectiveness of marriage equality. And whether that's Valentine's Day of next year or some other date, we could make sure folks have access to equality earlier than they would after the governor signs this bill," Harmon said.
Gay-rights advocates back the idea.
But rekindling the same-sex marriage debate could open up raw political wounds. Harmon says he's sensitive to that, and is not trying to upset anyone.