Illinois Republicans sue over General Assembly’s three readings rule

Members of the Illinois House and Senate Republican caucuses have asked Gov. JB Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 328 and filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule.

Republcians say the legislation would overhaul Illinois’ judicial system and allow out-of-state businesses to be sued by out-of-state plaintiffs in Illinois courts for incidents with no connection to the state. A lesser-known provision in the law, also allows foreign businesses registered in the state as well.

“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,” House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said. “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.”

Despite Democrats’ super majorities in both the House and Senate Chambers, major pieces of legislation have bypassed the constitutionally required Three Readings Rule to avoid due process, transparency, and public engagement, according to Republicans. Senate Bill 328 was passed after midnight and allowed the majority party to skip committee hearings and public input, violating the Three Readings Rule required in the Illinois 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,” said Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove). “I am calling on Gov. Pritzker to join us in standing up for Illinois taxpayers and promote economic investment in our state by vetoing this anti-business legislation.”

State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and State Rep. Kyle Moore (R-Quincy) are also listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

“Bills are supposed to be read in the Senate and House three times on three different days; however, Democrats have repeatedly subverted the Constitution to rush bills through without proper review,” Tracy said. “This lawsuit is a strong message that Republican leaders are fighting for transparency and adherence to our Constitution.”