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HR 291

No description available.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Tate

Urges Illinois agencies to coordinate and invest in interventions to increase childhood vaccination uptake and reduce disparities, improving school immunization coverage.

adopted by unanimous standing vote
0
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Bill Summary · HR 291

Summary — H.R. 291

Status: Adopted (unanimous/recorded votes reported); introduced Jan 9, 2025; enrolled and signed by House Speaker Jun 10, 2025; presented to Secretary of State Jun 11, 2025.

Note: The submitted document appears to contain text from several different resolutions across jurisdictions (an Illinois House resolution on childhood immunizations, a Georgia House resolution recognizing Mercer University Day, and a Michigan memorial resolution for Robert M. Gosselin). The summary below focuses on the primary substantive text in the file — an Illinois House resolution urging actions to improve childhood vaccination coverage — and briefly notes the other mixed-in resolutions.

Purpose and intent

The principal portion of H.R. 291 is a non‑binding House resolution urging state agencies and stakeholders in Illinois to implement interventions that increase childhood vaccination uptake and reduce disparities in vaccine coverage. It expresses concern about declining school‑required immunization coverage and rising religious exemptions, and calls for coordination, reporting, and investment to protect children from vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Key provisions / requests (non‑statutory)

  • Urges the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) to:
    • Work with pediatricians, clinicians, families, schools and other stakeholders to ensure students begin school “fully vaccinated.”
    • Continue and improve timely reporting of vaccine coverage.
    • Invest in immunization infrastructure and initiatives that increase vaccine uptake and reduce disparities.
  • Highlights problems to be addressed:
    • Declining coverage of school‑required immunizations for the 2023–2024 school year, with many vaccines below herd immunity thresholds.
    • Disparities in coverage by insurance status (children uninsured or on Medicaid have lower rates), race/ethnicity, household income, and rural versus urban residence.
    • Increase in religious exemptions in Illinois from 12,667 (2022–2023) to 15,339 (2023–2024).
  • Notes existing permissive allowances (e.g., McKinney‑Vento temporary enrollment for students needing more time to submit documentation or receive immunizations) and acknowledges medical and religious exemptions.

Who would be affected

  • The resolution is directed at state agencies (IDPH, DHFS, Illinois State Board of Education) and requests action that would affect:
    • Children in public/private schools, child care, and pre‑kindergarten programs.
    • Pediatricians, clinicians, school administrators, families, and community stakeholders involved in immunization and school enrollment.

Legal effect and impact

  • The measure is a resolution (expressive/encouraging), not a law establishing new regulatory requirements or appropriations. Its impact is primarily advisory and convening — encouraging interagency coordination, reporting, and voluntary programs to restore and boost vaccine coverage.
  • Potential practical effects if taken up: improved data reporting, targeted outreach and equity‑focused interventions, and strengthened immunization infrastructure — subject to follow‑on policy or funding actions.

Legislative history & sponsors (high level)

  • Introduced Jan 9, 2025; referred to House Committee on Agriculture and subsequent subcommittee; later assigned to Public Health Committee.
  • Reported enrolled Mar 14, 2025; adopted by the House (roll call: yeas 95, nays 0) Jun 10, 2025; enrolled and presented to Secretary of State Jun 11, 2025.
  • Filed with Clerk by Rep. Kelly M. Cassidy (among other listed primary and co‑sponsors). The document lists many additional co‑sponsors; parts of the file also reference sponsorships and text from Georgia and Michigan resolutions.

Important caveat

Because the provided document combines multiple, jurisdictionally distinct resolutions (Illinois immunization resolution, a Georgia resolution recognizing Mercer University Day on Feb 20, 2025, and a Michigan memorial for Robert M. Gosselin), readers should consult the official legislative source for the specific chamber and bill number in the relevant state for the authoritative text and status.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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