August 24, 2021

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate,

The 102nd General Assembly

Today, I return Senate Bill 967 with specific recommendations to correct one technical error in an effective date.

I commend and celebrate advocates and my partners in the General Assembly for their efforts in passing Senate Bill 967, a bill that ensures Illinois continues to be a leader in our efforts to erode racial disparities in healthcare coverage and access for women and babies. Senate Bill 967 allows the state to expand its maternal and child health programs to serve pregnant and postpartum individuals determined high-risk.

However, in the changes to 305 ILCS 5/5-5, Senate Bill 967 inadvertently includes an incorrect effective date that conflicts with the implementation timeline.  

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 967, entitled, “An ACT concerning Health,” with the following specific recommendations for change:

On page 69, line 26, delete “on July 1, 2022” and insert in lieu thereof “no later than December 1, 2022”.

With this change, Senate Bill 967 will have my approval.

Sincerely,

Governor JB Pritzker