Quincy Reporter

In Springfield, some bills pass so quietly you’d think they didn’t matter. But every now and then, a bill gets through that says everything about who our government really works for. Senate Bill 328 is one of those bills—and it’s not good news for the people of Adams County.

This legislation opens Illinois courtrooms to lawsuits from out-of-state plaintiffs with no meaningful connection to Illinois. It gives trial lawyers the green light to drag cases from across the country into our courts—just to chase bigger verdicts in famously plaintiff-friendly venues in Illinois.

Here in Quincy and across west-central Illinois, we already deal with an overloaded court system. Now, imagine you’re a small business owner in Adams County involved in a legitimate dispute. You go to court, only to find that your case is delayed—because someone from California is suing a company from New Jersey in our courts. That’s not justice.

And it’s not an accident. The Illinois Trial Lawyer Association lobby is one of the most powerful special interest groups in Illinois politics. They pour millions of dollars into campaign contributions every election cycle—padding war chests, funding political mailers, and making sure lawmakers know exactly who’s paying attention. SB 328 didn’t rise to the top of the legislative agenda by magic. It got there because the people pushing it write the biggest checks in Springfield.

Fortunately, not everyone went along with it.

State Senator Jil Tracy and State Representative Kyle Moore both voted against SB 328. In doing so, they showed what it means to stand up for the people they represent—not the well-connected trial lawyers who pushed this bill behind the scenes. That kind of leadership is rare—and worth recognizing.

Let’s be clear: this bill doesn’t protect anyone in Illinois. Illinois residents already have the right to seek justice in our courts. What SB 328 does is invite people from other states to file their lawsuits here—clogging our dockets, driving up costs, and reinforcing the perception that Illinois is a national magnet for lawsuit abuse.

A recent economic report found that excessive litigation in Illinois costs families over $1,200 per year in lost economic activity. That’s a hidden “tort tax” we all pay—even as the benefits flow to political insiders.

Governor Pritzker still has time to veto SB 328. He should—because no one in Adams County is asking for more lawsuits from out-of-state trial lawyers. We’re asking for fairness, timely justice, and a government that puts the people who live and work here first.

Phil Melin is the Executive Director of Illinois Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.