* Keep in mind before going further that Illinois limits the number of questions that can appear on a statewide ballot to three.
Not saying, just saying, but here’s the SJ-R on March 8…
An advisory question, asking whether parents should have to grant approval for their children to receive gender-affirming care, could be added to the ballot.
“Shall the written consent from a minor’s parent or guardian be required before any entity, person, clinic or school can provide a minor (under the age of 18 years) any non-emergency medical procedure, medication, pharmaceutical, or any gender modification procedure, gender identification counseling or gender therapy?,” the question reads.
Advocates were in Springfield [in February], collecting signatures and discussing the referendum. The push has the backing of the far-right Illinois Freedom Caucus and former gubernatorial candidate Jeanne Ives.
Another proponent is Illinois House District 96 Republican candidate Dr. Lisa Smith, who will face state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, in November.
“I do not want anyone making health decisions for any of my children without me being involved,” she said, previously losing to Scherer in 2022.
* Synopsis of House Amendment 2 for SB2412, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jay Hoffman…
Creates the Election Worker Protection and Candidate Accountability Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should any candidate appearing on the Illinois ballot for federal, State, or local office be subject to civil penalties if the candidate interferes or attempts to interfere with an election worker’s official duties?”
Creates the Property Tax Relief and Fairness Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should the Illinois Constitution be amended to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1,000,000 for the purpose of dedicating funds raised to property tax relief?”
Creates the Assisted Reproductive Health Referendum Act. Directs the State Board of Elections to cause the following advisory question to be submitted to the voters at the general election on November 5, 2024: “Should all medically appropriate assisted reproductive treatments, including, but not limited to, in vitro fertilization, be covered by any health insurance plan in Illinois that provides coverage for pregnancy benefits, without limitation on the number of treatments?” Requires immediate certification by the State Board of Elections of the advisory questions of public policy created by these new Acts.
Again, not saying, just saying, but if the General Assembly puts three questions on the statewide ballot, it would crowd out everything else.
It’s just a bill, of course, but what are your thoughts on these proposals?
…Adding… As the House was preparing to take up Leader Hoffman’s bill, the Republicans asked for a one-hour caucus.
…Addding…The House passed the bill 67-4-40.