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Effingham County Board approves resolution opposing Illinois physician-assisted-dying law
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Summary
After public comment and debate, the Effingham County Board voted to approve a resolution opposing Illinois’ physician-assisted-dying law (Senate Bill 1950), while some board members and the coroner urged the state to clarify reporting, notification and disposal provisions before the law takes effect in September.
The Effingham County Board voted March 16 to approve a resolution opposing Illinois’ new physician-assisted-dying law, Senate Bill 1950, after a period of public comment and discussion about operational impacts for county coroners and first responders.
Board member Sandy Rich, who had the item pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration, read a prepared statement saying the law "will take effect in September" and raising a string of concerns about local implementation. "Coroners must lie on the death certificate," she said, describing a situation in which coroners cannot list suicide or medically aided dying as a cause and may face legal exposure if they do. Rich warned the county could face additional autopsy and toxicology costs and questioned who would track unused medication and how labs would detect the drugs involved.
Pat Lewis, a resident who addressed the board during public comment, said the statute is a narrow, compassionate option for patients with terminal illnesses and urged the county not to seek repeal. "I support state bill 1950," Lewis said, and called on county leaders to avoid sensationalist language in local resolutions.
Coroner Kim Rhodes said the coroner's office shares many of those concerns about accountability and documentation and recommended clearer notification requirements. "I believe that we should have a doctor notify us within 24 hours of issuing that medication," Rhodes said, adding that different states use different drugs and the county will need to consult its toxicology lab about detectability.
After the discussion a motion to approve the county resolution was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair announced the motion carried. The motion was moved by Dave Campbell and seconded by Chris Keller, per the meeting record.
The resolution does not itself change state law. Chair Joshua Douthit said the board's action is intended as a statement to state legislators and that the board hopes the legislature will revisit implementation details. The coroner and several board members urged that any future amendments address notification to coroners, toxicology and disposal of unused medication to reduce costs and public-safety risks.
Next steps: the resolution will stand as the county's official position; county officials encouraged citizens to contact state representatives about potential statutory changes before the law takes effect in September.
