State Representative Tom Weber (R-Fox Lake) has filed legislation prohibiting the Illinois Department of Public Health from adopting any rules that require children to receive an immunization against COVID-19. Rep. Weber filed the bill in response to a recent mandate issued by the Governor of California.
Rep. Weber explained the legislation saying that, “a blanket mandate as the one recently imposed in California would be a gross overstep on the part of Governor Pritzker or his administration. He’s made it clear he is willing to overstep his authority over the past 18 months, which is why it is imperative to get ahead of any possible future mandate.”
Rep. Weber’s legislation, House Bill 4174, provides that a child may not be required to submit proof of having received an immunization against COVID-19 upon enrolling in school, nor may a child already enrolled in school be required to receive an immunization against COVID-19.
“With COVID-19, parents should be making medical decisions for their families, not the Governor or IDPH,” Rep. Weber continued. “If you want your child to be vaccinated, that is a decision for you as a parent and you alone. The government has no right to step in and act as a parent in regards to children’s medical decisions on COVID-19.”
HB 4174 was filed on Friday, October 15th. Rep. Weber is actively recruiting co-sponsors and will push for the bill to be heard during veto session. The Illinois General Assembly returns to Springfield for veto session on October 19th.