Kane County Reporter

Members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses have urged Governor J.B. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, which they argue would benefit trial lawyers at the cost of jobs and economic growth. The Republicans also filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, alleging that the Democratic Majority pushed the proposal through after midnight on the last day of session.

The bill aims to reform Illinois’ judicial system by allowing out-of-state businesses to be sued in Illinois courts for incidents unrelated to the state. It includes a provision permitting lawsuits against foreign businesses registered in Illinois. Critics say it was passed using procedural tactics that bypass constitutional requirements.

“We are answering the call of job creators, good government watchdog groups, and most importantly, our constituents, to stand up for transparency and against this job-killing legislation,” said House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). “Governor Pritzker must veto SB 328 and show not only the people of Illinois but also businesses around the world we want to put all of our people to work, not just trial lawyers.”

Senate Bill 328 passed without following due process such as committee hearings or public input, violating the Three Readings Rule required by the state constitution. “This special interest proposal was passed by the Democratic Majority using a shady process that clearly violates the substance and spirit of the Illinois Constitution,” stated Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

Similar legislation has been vetoed twice by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. National and state business groups have echoed calls for a veto. State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria) commented on Democrats' choice not to follow constitutional procedures: “There was no deadline to pass Senate Bill 328. There was time to follow the Constitution and Democrats chose not to.”

The proposed law could make it easier for frivolous lawsuits unrelated to Illinois cases. State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) expressed concerns about its impact on job creation: “SB 328 is government at its worst and sends a clear message that Illinois is hostile to job creators and due process.”

Republicans seek both a gubernatorial veto and legal action preventing SB 328 from reaching Gov. Pritzker's desk. A status hearing is scheduled for July 7.

In other legislative updates, several new laws take effect on July 1 concerning climate change education, gender inclusiveness, birth certificates, prostitution privacy, court translators, insulin costs, assisted living, overdose survival records, with additional changes like an increase in state gasoline tax.

Illinois’ unemployment rate remained steady at 4.8% in May while nonfarm payrolls showed little change over-the-month according to IDES reports.

Finally, discussions continue regarding potential delivery taxes proposed during recent legislative sessions though they did not receive a vote yet could be revisited later this year amidst ongoing fiscal policy debates.