South Central Reporter

Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) has outlined his priorities for the 2022 legislative session, listing his package of bills in his latest edition of Jacobs Journal. 

Jacobs said the proposed bills address a wide range of issues including protection of the unborn, protecting Second Amendment Rights, and saving money for working families.

Among his priorities is Restoring Parental Notification of Abortion (HB 4378). Jacobs blames Democrats for stripping away the requirement that parents or guardians of minors be notified 48 hours prior to a minor having an abortion. The law previously did not require parental consent, only that they be notified.

“An abortion is a major medical procedure that can have adverse or even life-threatening side effects,” Jacobs wrote in the journal. “Democrats in Illinois are hell-bent on making Illinois the most progressive, pro-abortion state in the nation. I am 100% pro-life and remain determined to repeal taxpayer-funded abortions, late-term abortions, and to restore a parent’s right to be notified prior to their minor child having an abortion.”

Jacobs is also pushing back against an amendment to the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Nov. 8 that Jacobs says harms more than helps workers who chose to not be inoculated against COVID-19. The General Assembly last month approved the revision that states these individuals could face repercussions, Chicago’s ABC7 reported.

Jacobs wrote in a Facebook post that he foresees the new law being a legal flashpoint.

“Sad day in Illinois,” Jacobs posted at the time. “As expected, the governor has signed legislation to limit the Right of Conscience for workers in Illinois. I have no doubt the courts will have the final say on this, but for now, our freedoms and liberties are threatened. We must stand up for the rights of working families and push back against the constant assault on our freedoms.”

Jacobs is also supporting an Ultrasound Opportunity Act (HB 4375), which gives women about to have an abortion the opportunity to view an ultrasound before the procedure occurs; the Born Alive Act (HB 4377) that an infant who survives an abortion attempt be recognized as a person and accorded immediate protection under the law; and the Reduce Sales Tax on Diapers and Diaper Wipes bill (HB 4381) that would cut the sales tax on diapers and diaper wipes from 6.25% to 1%.

Jacobs also supports the Firearm Owners Identification Card Repeal (HB 4376) that advocates the repeal of the FOID card, which he believes is unconstitutional and goes against the 2nd Amendment. Jacobs is not the only one who sees the FOID as an issue. Last March the Illinois State Rifle Association sued over delays in processing FOID applications.

Jacobs also spoke out about a new energy package that was signed into law. 

“Regulation of a desired service is often just a way to steer revenue to the favored,” Jacobs told the North Egypt News. “We need to be extremely careful in utilizing taxpayer funds to promote certain private sector elements. Without care and caution, the fear exists that we could create catastrophe by not having power when we really need it.”