April 1, 2022

Illinois Legislation Update 4-1-22

The Illinois General Assembly is considering several bills that pose a threat to the right to life.

HB1464 would prohibit Illinois officials from disciplining abortionists who break laws in other states related to abortion.

HB1464 passed the House of Representatives on March 31 by a vote of 68-41. It is currently in the Senate Assignments Committee.

HB5048 would require nursing homes to provide certain residents with Practitioner Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms. These forms are used to determine what kind of care will be provided if a patient is unable to make decisions for themself. Nursing homes would be required to have an employee or a physician discuss the form with them. This is concerning because legislation passed last year removed the requirement for a witness's signature on POLST forms. This means that those in nursing care will no longer have the security provided by a witness to ensure that they understand what they are signing.

HB5048 passed the House of Representatives on Feb 24 by a vote of 65-43. It is now in the Senate Health Committee, where it has been given an extended deadline of April 4 to proceed.

HB4221, titled the "Pregnancy Center Disclosure Act," would create regulations for "limited services pregnancy facilities." These would apply to pro-life pregnancy clinics. Under HB4221, such clinics would be required to "disseminate to clients on-site, and in any print and digital advertising materials, notice stating that the facility is not licensed as a medical facility by Illinois and has no licensed medical provider who provides or directly supervises the provision of services." The Attorney General or a private party could take action against a clinic that does not follow these rules to impose fines. There would be a $500 fine for the first offense, and then $5,000 fines for any subsequent violations.

HB4221 is still in the House Rules Committee.

HB4247 would mandate that "public institutions of higher education" place a vending machine on campus that sells emergency contraception to students. Emergency contraception pills have the ability to abort children after conception but before they implant in the mother's uterus.

HB4247 passed the House of Representatives on March 3 by a vote of 62-38. It is now in the Senate Assignments Committee.

Additionally, the House passed three pro-abortion resolutions on March 31, and it is considering a fourth. Resolutions do not create laws, but they do serve to declare the values or intent of lawmakers.

HR0094 declared support for the funding of Planned Parenthood. It passed by a vote of 66 to 39.

HR790 declared support for Roe v. Wade. It passed by a vote of 68 to 38.

HR789 declared support for reproductive rights. It passed by a vote of 68-38.

HR762 would congratulate Terry Cosgrove, the CEO of pro-abortion lobbying group Personal PAC, on his retirement. It has not yet received a vote.