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SB 291

ONE HEALTH TASK FORCE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Nicolle Grasse and 3 co-sponsors

Illinois establishes One Health Task Force coordinating human, animal, and environmental health agencies to address zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, effective January 2026.

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Bill Summary · SB 291

Legislative bill overview

SB 291 establishes an Illinois One Health Task Force designed to coordinate public health responses across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. The task force will develop integrated strategies to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other health threats that span multiple domains, becoming effective January 1, 2026.

Why is this important

The "One Health" approach recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected—particularly relevant given recent pandemics originating from animal sources. By formalizing coordination between traditionally siloed agencies (public health, agriculture, environmental protection), the state aims to improve disease surveillance, prevention, and response capacity while potentially reducing costs of reactive emergency interventions.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and costs: Creating a new task force requires dedicated staff and resources; unclear if funding is allocated or if existing agencies absorb costs through redistribution
  • Unclear enforcement authority: Task force recommendations may lack teeth if member agencies aren't required to implement findings or if coordination remains voluntary
  • Scope definition: "One Health" is broadly interpreted; ambiguity about which specific health threats receive priority and how resource allocation decisions will be made

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

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