State Representative Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) joined Republican members of the Illinois House and Senate in a lawsuit filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court seeking enforcement of the Illinois Constitution’s Third Reading Rule regarding the passage of Senate Bill 328. The Third Reading Rule is outlined in the Illinois Constitution to grant public transparency to legislation as it moves through each Chamber. This litigation is an effort for Republicans to fight for transparency and adherence to the Constitution.
SB 328 is legislation that would allow out-of-state plaintiffs to sue out-of-state businesses in Illinois courts. On Wednesday, the American Tort Reform Association called on Gov. Pritzker to veto the bill, calling it one of the, “Single worst bills we have seen this year, nationwide,” and warning that if the bill is signed into law, “Illinois is likely to see a mass exodus of businesses leaving and a sharp decline in new business investments.”
State Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, also a plaintiff suing Democratic leaders Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, argued that there is plenty of time to get the process right during the five months of regular session to ensure transparency. Rep. Rosenthal says he hopes Gov. Pritzker vetoes SB 328, but if he doesn’t, he urges the court system to stop the bill in its tracks.
“It is sad that a practice that was used under now convicted felon Speaker Michael Madigan has become increasingly egregious, and Republicans continue to be cut out of the process as major pieces of legislation are rushed through the House and Senate,” said Rep. Rosenthal. “This session I believe the rules were suspended and ignored twenty-four times. Each time this maneuver is used the people of Illinois lose. This behavior must be challenged, or the Democrats will keep abusing their power.”
The Third Reading Rule is the final stage of debate that bills are supposed to follow as outlined in the Illinois Constitution. The legislative process is designed for legislators to have adequate time to review and debate legislation. Visit RepRosenthal.com to sign the petition to urge Gov. Pritzker to veto SB 328.