August 26, 2011

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois House of Representatives,

97^th General Assembly:

I hereby return House Bill 3440 with specific recommendations for change.

I am committed to ensuring that all of the people of the State of Illinois, regardless of disability, have the ability to access any and all public facilities.  This legislation expands the definition of service animals that are allowed to accompany their individual and also allows school districts to provide reasonable accommodations for their students who need to use a service animal. I commend the sponsors for their efforts.

While House Bill 3440 attempts to provide clarity as to the use of service animals, it also impacts the education of students with disabilities. I am concerned that the application of this legislation could conflict with the Americans with Disabilities Act if students with service animals are denied access to school facilities and activities. My specific recommendation for change addresses this issue and ensures that children throughout our State have full access to educational facilities.

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 3440, entitled “AN ACT concerning service dogs.”, with the following specific recommendations for change: 

on page 1, lines 7 and 8, by replacing “Reasonable accommodations must be sought for the use of service Service animals.” with “Service animals.”; and 

on page 1, line 11, by replacing “shall be permitted” with “shall be permitted”.

With these changes, House Bill 3440 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor