Illinois House of Representatives
Morgan has cited the January 2017 travel ban as the catalyst for his decision to seek elected office. While returning from a trip and deplaning at O’Hare International Airport,he learned that dozens of travelers—some with dual U.S. citizenship—were being detained under President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting entry from several Muslim-majority countries. Then working as a healthcare attorney,Morgan went to the international terminal where he led a team of lawyers to help secure the release of 63 individuals being held. He later described the experience as a turning point that convinced him to run for office to defend civil liberties and promote effective government. In November 2018,he was elected as State Representative and was sworn into office in January 2019.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic,Morgan played a proactive role in safeguarding public health while maintaining legislative access. In March 2020,when rising concerns over coronavirus led to the temporary cancellation of session days at the Illinois Capitol and restrictions on public gatherings,Morgan emphasized the importance of following public health guidance. He noted that “people are ‘contained and confined with hundreds of other —if not thousands of other —people,at a time when that’s exactly what we should be trying to avoid’.”
As the state began winding down emergency declarations,Morgan sponsored the Health Care Workforce Reinforcement Act (House Bill 559),ensuring continuity in the healthcare workforce. This law allowed healthcare professionals working under temporary out-of-state or reinstatement permits—created under COVID-19 emergency measures—to continue practicing during the transition to normal licensure processes. It also enabled registered pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists to keep administering COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Passed unanimously and signed into law in spring 2023,this law extended temporary licensing until May 11,2024,and helped preserve critical healthcare access amid staffing shortages.
In November 2020,Morgan joined 18 other legislators in opposing the reelection of Speaker Michael Madigan,citing allegations of corruption and misconduct involving Madigan and his aides. He publicly condemned the conduct of Madigan’s top staff,who faced accusations of sexual harassment,underscoring his call for accountability and ethical standards in state government.
Morgan’s commitment to public safety and gun violence prevention is rooted to his experience from July 4,2022,when he was present at the Highland Park Independence Day parade where a gunman opened fire,killing seven people and injuring 48. In response,he introduced the Protect Illinois Communities Act,which banned the sale and distribution of assault weapons,high-capacity magazines,and switches. The legislation,signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on January 10,2023,which took immediate effect.
Drawing on his background in law and healthcare,Morgan has also focused on strengthening the security and resilience of nonprofit organizations. In 2023,Morgan also sponsored legislation creating the Illinois Nonprofit Security Grant Program,directing $20 million in state funding to help high-risk nonprofits strengthen security. The program provides resources for physical upgrades and staffing,supporting cultural,religious,and community institutions across Illinois.
Morgan has also been a prominent advocate for pension reform,focusing on strategies to reduce the state's pension liabilities while maintaining the integrity of workers' benefits. In 2023,he introduced House Bill 4292,which authorized an additional $1 billion in State Pension Obligation Acceleration Bonds. The proceeds extended a buyout option for state employees,university staff,and school workers,with the goal of reducing long-term pension liabilities through voluntary cost-of-living adjustment buyouts. Morgan’s work on pension reform dates back to his time as an attorney under Governor Pat Quinn,and his efforts have contributed to reducing state pension liabilities by an estimated $2.5 billion.
Morgan’s legislative work also reflects his dedication to efficient and responsive government. On December 8,2023,while serving as Chair of the Illinois House Committee on Health Care Licenses,he led the modernization of the online professional licensing system for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Previously,delays in issuing and renewing professional licenses could extend beyond six months. Under the new law,the Department was authorized to implement an expedited process,allowing licenses to be issued in as little as two weeks—a reform that has improved services for both professionals and the public.
In 2024,he sponsored House Bill 2472,requiring that medical claim denials be reviewed and approved by a qualified healthcare professional. The law ensured that patient care decisions would be guided by medical expertise rather than automated systems.
Morgan has also been at the forefront of public health policy. In August,he sponsored Senate Bill 3741,which raised the maximum daily dosage of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder,aligning state law with emerging medical research on effective treatment,especially for patients using fentanyl.
Recognizing the importance of child safety,Morgan also advanced Senate Bill 191 in the same month,mandating that all newly purchased or leased school buses in Illinois be equipped with three-point (lap and shoulder) seat belts,effective July 1,2031. The law aligns with modern manufacturing standards to improve student safety during transportation while allowing districts flexibility in implementation.
In addition to his work in healthcare and public safety,Morgan has sought to protect ethical standards in emerging fields. On August 1,2025,Governor Pritzker signed into law Morgan’s Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act,making Illinois the first state in the United States to prohibit AI therapists from providing patient care. The law requires that anyone providing therapy or psychotherapy services in Illinois be a licensed professional,ensuring that mental health care remains under the supervision of trained practitioners.
Through his legislative career,Morgan has combined professional experience,ethical leadership,and a commitment to public safety to address the complex challenges facing Illinois communities.
