Gov. Pritzker Statement on the Full Passage of SB 1169

SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement following the full passage of Senate Bill 1169, a clarification of legislative intent for the Health Care Right of Conscience Act.

"We have effective tools to fight this pandemic — namely, vaccines, masks and testing — and all of our communities are safer when we use the public health and workplace safety protocols we know to work," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I want to thank Speaker Welch, Leader Robyn Gabel, and Senate President Harmon for being such fierce champions of this legislation. I also want to thank the members of the House and Senate Democratic caucuses who joined together to affirm that the Health Care Right of Conscience Act was never meant to put vulnerable people in harm's way. This legislation clarifies existing law's intent without infringing on federal protections. Ultimately, this means we can keep kids in school, businesses open, neighbors safe, and continue on the path to bring this pandemic to an end."