August 14, 2009

To the Honorable Members of the Illinois House of Representatives,

96th General Assembly:

With this message, I am returning House Bill 70 with specific recommendations for change.

While I am supportive of the general principles embodied in this legislation, it nevertheless contains certain provisions that require modification.  One provision conditions the agency’s rulemaking authority on compliance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and the procedures of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.  This is a remnant of a controversy involving my predecessor’s administration.  This conflict has been resolved.  When I approved House Bill 398, I committed my administration to upholding the law and respecting the constitutionally protected powers of each branch of government.  My approval of, and adherence to, House Bill 398 (now Public Act # 96-0002) renders the rulemaking conditions set forth in this bill redundant.  It is time to move past the battles between my predecessor and members of the General Assembly.  I am, therefore, deleting this language from the bill. 

Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(e) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House Bill 70, entitled “AN ACT concerning insurance.”, with the following specific recommendations for change:

on page 2, by deleting lines 21 through 26; and

on page 5, by deleting lines 21 through 26; and

on page 6, by deleting line 1; and

on page 7, below line 11, by inserting the following:

            “Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on January 1, 2010.”.

With these changes, House Bill 70 will have my approval.  I respectfully request your concurrence. 

Sincerely,

PAT QUINN

Governor