Illinois § 20

Full text of Illinois Illinois Compiled Statutes § 20, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20.

Emergency Management Agency; personnel; oath. Each person, whether compensated or noncompensated, who is appointed to serve in any capacity in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency or an emergency services and disaster agency, shall, before entering upon his or her duties, take an oath, in writing, before the Director or before the coordinator of that emergency services and disaster agency or before other persons authorized to administer oaths in this State, which oath shall be filed with the Director or with the coordinator of the emergency services and disaster agency with which he or she shall serve and which oath shall be substantially as follows: "I, _______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend and bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the territory, institutions and facilities thereof, both public and private, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I, nor have I been a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am affiliated with the (name of political subdivision), I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence." (Source: P.A. 92-73, eff. 1-1-02.) (Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 104-418) Sec. 20. Oath. (a) Each person, whether compensated or noncompensated, who is appointed to serve in any capacity in, or on behalf of, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) or an emergency services and disaster agency, shall, before entering upon duties, take an oath in writing. (b) The oath shall be administered before the Director of IEMA-OHS (or a designee authorized in writing by the Director), the coordinator of the respective emergency services and disaster agency, or persons authorized to administer oaths in this State pursuant to the Oaths an Affirmations Act. The oath may be administered through live video technology or other electronic means; however, the signed oath shall be filed with IEMA-OHS or with the emergency services and disaster agency with which the person shall serve and which oath shall be substantially as follows: "I, _______________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend and bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the territory, institutions and facilities thereof, both public and private, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I, nor have I been a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such time as I am affiliated with the (name of emergency preparedness organization), I will not advocate nor become a member or an affiliate of any organization, group, or combination of persons that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence." (Source: P.A. 104-418, eff. 1-1-26.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois § 20

What does Illinois Compiled Statutes § 20 cover?

Section 20 is part of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the codified statutory law of Illinois. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Illinois § 20?

A common citation format is "Illinois Compiled Statutes § 20" (Illinois). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Illinois law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Illinois official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Illinois attorney.

How does Illinois § 20 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Illinois can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.