Springfield , IL – Legislation aimed at requiring school children in Chicago to wash their hands before going to lunch at a school cafeteria is unnecessary, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

House Bill 382 requires all Chicago Public School students to wash their hands before eating meals at school. The bill passed the House of Representatives last week, and now awaits further deliberation in the Senate.

“I am sure the sponsor has the best intentions but this bill is simply a waste of time and effort on behalf of the legislature,” said Rutherford.

Rutherford explained that he understands the health benefits to regular hand washing, but it’s not something elected officials should attempt to legislate.

“Of course washing your hands on a regular basis helps to promote good health, but having a law is over the top,” Rutherford commented. “This is a topic lawmakers should not attempt to legislate; it should be left up to the individual schools and parents.”