Peoria Standard

Members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses have urged Governor J.B. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328, a piece of legislation they argue would benefit trial lawyers at the cost of jobs and economic growth. In addition, they have filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, claiming that the Democratic Majority pushed the proposal through after midnight on the last day of session without following constitutional procedures.

The bill proposes changes to Illinois’ judicial system, allowing out-of-state businesses to be sued by out-of-state plaintiffs in Illinois courts for incidents unrelated to the state. It also includes provisions for foreign businesses registered in Illinois. Critics say it was passed using procedural tactics that bypassed constitutional requirements and public scrutiny.

“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,” stated House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). He urged Governor Pritzker to veto SB328 as a message that Illinois supports its workforce over trial lawyers.

Republicans claim that major pieces of legislation continue to sidestep the constitutionally required Three Readings Rule under Democratic supermajorities in both legislative chambers. They allege that Senate Bill 328 was passed with a "gut-and-replace" maneuver that circumvented proper due process such as committee hearings and public input.

“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,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). He called on Gov. Pritzker to promote economic investment by vetoing what he termed anti-business legislation.

Similar bills have been vetoed twice by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. National and state business groups like the American Tort Reform Association and Illinois Manufacturers Association have echoed Republicans' calls for a veto.

“There was no deadline to pass Senate Bill 328. There was time to follow the Constitution and Democrats chose not to,” said State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria). He emphasized accountability for adhering to transparent processes.

The bill is criticized for potentially encouraging frivolous lawsuits in Illinois against any licensed out-of-state business. Opponents argue it discourages business expansion into Illinois while benefiting those who profit from lawsuits.

“SB 328 is government at its worst and sends a clear message that Illinois is hostile to job creators and due process,” remarked State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville), highlighting concerns about its impact on jobs.

Republicans are pressing Gov. Pritzker for a veto while seeking legal action to prevent SB328 from reaching his desk.

The full press conference can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/RwkUFK9sAo4