Illinois State Representative Jonathan Carroll | Photo: Office of State Rep. Jonathan Carroll

An Illinois state representative who proposed a bill that would require residents that choose not to be vaccinated to pay for their own COVID-19 health care expenses has decided not to pursue the bill.

State Representative Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, who serves the 57th house district, proposed house bill 4259 in the Illinois General Assembly.

Carroll’s bill would amend the Illinois Insurance Code and a person who is eligible to be vaccinated, but chooses not to, “shall for pay for health care expenses out-of-pocket if the person becomes hospitalized because of COVID-19 symptoms,” his bill says.

If his bill is passed, the amendment would apply to accident and health insurance policies amended, delivered, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2023.

On Thursday, Carroll issued a statement on Twitter saying he would not pursue the bill citing, “unintended divisive nature” and “violent threats” made against him, his family and his staff.

[Suggested Article]  Governor announces more than $800 million project to demolish, rebuild 2 prisons in Illinois

“Based on feedback and further reflection, we need to heal as a country and work together on common-sense solutions to put the pandemic behind us. Since taking office, I’ve always tried to have civil discourse with those who’ve disagreed with me,” he said.

“However, violent threats made against me, my family and my staff are reprehensible. I hope we can return to a more positive discourse on public health, especially when it comes to this pandemic that has tired us all,” he added.