The following is the statement of the ACLU of Illinois regarding the passage of House Bill 61 by Illinois Senate:

We are elated that an overwhelming majority of Illinois Senators have voted to pass House Bill 61, eliminating the antiquated, medically-unnecessary mandate that medical personnel notify school principals when a student has HIV. This practice, which has been discontinued all across the nation, stigmatized students and blatantly violated their privacy. We know of sad instances where the information was shared beyond the principal, opening up a student to discrimination and bullying. Lifting the reporting requirements also removes an unnecessary barrier to a student who otherwise might be afraid to be tested.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his approval. With a stroke of his pen, Governor Quinn can end this practice, the relic of another era. We thank the Senate for its strong support.