Springfield, IL – State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) and State Representative Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora) joined Republican members of the Illinois House and Senate in a lawsuit filed in Sangamon County Court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Third Reading Rule on Senate Bill 328. Despite the Democrats’ supermajorities in both the House and Senate, they opted to disregard the Third Reading Rule, which 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.
“As a new legislator, I came here to do things the right way — to listen, lead, and make life better for the people I represent,” said Balkema. “That starts with respecting the law and making sure every bill gets a fair and open debate. Not only did SB328 fail that test, it’s also a bad bill that could open the door to abusive lawsuits, hurt job creators, and make it harder for working families to get ahead. We have a responsibility to speak up and do better for the people of Illinois.”
“The Democrats’ rule-breaking procedures during the spring session had no limits,” added Rep. Tipsword. “It was egregious and included zero transparency. Rules were suspended and posting requirements were waived, all just to beat the midnight deadline at all costs.”
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. Bills are supposed to be read by title three times on three different days.
The Republicans’ lawsuit outlines the blatant disregard for the Illinois Constitution, specifically for Senate Bill 328, which passed despite the legislative process not being followed correctly. The bill creates imminent harm for Illinoisans by exposing the legal process to increased abuse by trial lawyers, and job creators across Illinois strongly oppose it. SB 328 makes it easier to file frivolous lawsuits in Illinois, which discourages business growth and expansion into our state.