All:
I am not really sure what all the rancor is about.
These rules, in this case the Illinois Emergency Management Act, 20 ILCS 3305 Sec. 20, Emergency Management Agency; Personnel; Oath., have existed since the middle of the Cold War. I cannot trace this specific rule back, but I am sure it dates to the 1960's or 1970's, though the date of the current rule is Feb. 2002. The law section was probably rewritten after 9/11, with the re-alignment of FEMA once and for all from the "Civil Defense" model to the "Department of Homeland Security" model.
I am a new Ham, but those familiar with RACES operations should be very familiar with this oath since it theoretically has been required since the Seventies. For any that are interested, the State of Missouri has the same rule with exactly the same oath (minus the Illinois stuff) that appears to date to 1967 which is codified at RSMo 44.115, Persons employed by or associated with Civil Defense Agencies -- qualifications -- oath required.
I guess if anyone would be interested, you could write your State Representative or Senator to get these dinosaur laws repealed, assuming FEMA doesn't still require them as a part of the Stafford Act.
73's
MAFriel - KC0ZYM