Peoria Standard

Li Arellano, a State Senator from Illinois, has expressed concerns over the passage of SB 328, criticizing the process for its lack of transparency. He urged the governor to veto the bill in a statement made on Facebook.

"SB 328 is a textbook example of what's wrong with Springfield politics," said Liandro Gm Arellano, Illinois State Senator for 37th District, according to Facebook. "No hearings. No public input. No journalism. No transparency. No accountability. This is one of the forms corruption takes, and I won't be silent. Governor, veto this bill!"

SB 328 was passed in Illinois through a "gut and replace" process, where existing bill language was entirely replaced with new provisions within a single day. According to Capitol News Illinois, this method has faced criticism for limiting debate and transparency. The expedited tactic has led to lawsuits alleging violations of constitutional legislative procedures and sparked discussions about reforming such practices.

The Illinois Policy Institute reports that "gut and replace" amendments are frequently used in the Illinois legislature, with nearly 300 instances recorded during the 2019–2020 session alone. This practice has occurred in nearly every session over the past decade, raising concerns about transparency and due process.

DLA Piper's analysis suggests that SB 328 could result in more lawsuits against out-of-state corporations in Illinois, potentially increasing litigation costs and insurance premiums for families. However, concrete statewide financial impact data are not yet available as legal experts continue to monitor the bill’s effects.

According to the Illinois General Assembly, Li Arellano Jr., a Republican State Senator representing the 37th District since 2025, previously served as mayor of Dixon, Illinois. He is known for his focus on public health, veterans’ affairs, and local economic development.