August 29, 2008
To the Honorable Members of the
Illinois House of Representatives
95th General Assembly
Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto
House Bill 230, entitled “AN ACT concerning imprisonment.” I appreciate the hard work of the sponsors
to pass this legislation. However, Article V, Section 12 of the Illinois Constitution of 1970 provides that
it is the Governor who “may grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, after conviction, for all offenses
on such terms as he thinks proper.” This legislation stands in conflict with these clearly prescribed duties.
For this reason, I hereby veto and return House Bill 230.
Sincerely,
ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH
Governor