Illinois State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) | Contributed Photo
Illinois State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) | Contributed Photo
Illinois Republicans have joined in opposing a bill that would expand the Illinois Department of Public Health's (IDHP) power over schools, including those homed-based, during health emergencies.
House Bill 2789 passed the House along partisan lines and would establish a process for the health department to inspect public and nonpublic schools to determine if emergency orders are being followed. Some of the requirements are personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene, social distancing, occupancy limits, symptom screening and onsite isolation protocols. Illinois State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) opposes the bill.
"HB2789: This proposal would expand the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDHP) powers over public and non-public schools during a health emergency like the one declared by the governor for over a year now," Bailey, who is running for governor, said in an April 30 Facebook post. "This power grab should alarm every liberty-loving resident of our state."
In Illinois, home schools are considered nonpublic private institutions and would be subject to this process. Under the bill, the health department could inspect a private home to decide if emergency orders are being followed and close the school in cases of noncompliance.
Bailey is joined by state Reps. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) and Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) in opposition to the bill. These General Assembly members are part of a growing number of concerned Illinois families and groups fighting this legislative proposal.
House Bill 2789 is currently heading to the Illinois Senate for further review and consideration.
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