Chambana Sun

State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is encouraging residents across the state to put pressure on Democrats to not pass a bill that would allow local politicians to take extraordinary measures in the name of public health.

The legislation would “make any and all public health data related to residents of that local health department's jurisdiction available to that local health department for the purposes of preventing or controlling disease, injury or disability.”

"What this means is that your private health information would be no longer private. In many ways, this legislation is worse than the vaccine registry introduced earlier this year because this legislation includes ALL medical records – not just information on vaccines,” Brad Halbrook told the Chambana Sun.

Halbrook said Conroy’s legislation is a flagrant violation of citizens' rights.

“I am adamantly opposed to these efforts to infringe on our rights. Our medical records should not be just unilaterally handed over to government bureaucrats without our consent. This legislation is immoral and unconstitutional,” he said. Halbrook noted he is a strong supporter of the right to choose.

“I strongly support the Right of Conscience for all Illinois residents. If House Bill 4640 comes up for a vote on the House floor, I will be voting ‘no,’” he said.

HB 4640 has been criticized for usurping constitutional rights from citizens. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park), has been roundly criticized for its authoritarian tone.

Conroy’s bill would allow the state to decide to "isolate or quarantine persons who are unable or unwilling to receive vaccines, medications or other treatments" and would grant legal authority to fully control the behavior of any individuals who don't follow their COVID-19 restrictions and rules. That would include isolating residents and placing them under police guard.

Local health departments can "adopt any rules" necessary, according to its text, which could include internment-like camps favored in Australia right now where those deemed risks can be arrested and transported to “isolation camps” where they are locked in rooms and given meals one time per day.

Three escapees from one camp in Howard Spring were recently “captured.”

Halbrook suggested more concerned citizens get involved in the process.

“My hope is Illinois residents will sign witness slips against this legislation and help ensure this horrendous legislation does not go anywhere. Many of us in the General Assembly are doing everything we can to stop this bill, but we need the public’s help,” Halbrook said.

Conroy is vying for the position of Chairman of the DuPage County Board of Commissioners.

The bill's severe language, according to political commentators, will hurt her chances of getting elected to the position, which pays about $128,000 per year. Her yearly salary as a legislator is almost $70,000 before bonuses.

Illinois has some of the most stringent COVID-19 regulations of any state.

Natural immunity gives better protection against COVID-19 than immunizations, according to CDC and Johns Hopkins University research.

Halbrook noted it is more important that ever for Ilinoisans to get active in state government.

“The governor in his State of the State address gave no indication he is going to let go of the emergency powers he has used for the last two years,” he said. “In fact, he is going to do the exact opposite. The governor and various members of the Illinois General Assembly are doing all they can to take away our liberties under the guise of protecting public health. We need citizens across the state to push back against these abuses of power.”