IL SB0291

Establishes the One Health Commission within the Illinois Department of Public Health to promote interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, veterinarians, environmental scientists, and state agencies to address the interconnected health of humans, animals, and ecosystems

Commission membership includes 17+ members: directors or designees from Public Health, Agriculture, EPA, Emergency Management, Natural Resources, Transportation, Housing Development Authority, and Commerce; University of Illinois president; plus appointed academic experts, physicians, veterinarians, entomologists, and a safety net hospital representative

Director of Public Health and University of Illinois president (or designees) serve as co-chairs; members serve 4-year terms without compensation

Commission responsibilities include recommending best practices for interdisciplinary communication, supporting zoonotic disease outbreak responses, developing surveillance systems for emerging health threats, and promoting education on judicious antibiotic use including alternatives like bacteriophage therapy

Final report due to the General Assembly and Governor by January 1, 2028, with updates every 2 years thereafter; report must assess One Health surveillance systems and provide legislative/regulatory recommendations