Concerns over transparency in Illinois lawmaking have led to a new legal challenge from members of the State legislature. State Senator Steve McClure, along with several other Republican legislators from both the Illinois Senate and House, have filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County. They argue that lawmakers violated the Illinois Constitution during the passage of Senate Bill 328.

The lawsuit was filed on June 18th and focuses on the way the bill was passed in the final hours of the Spring legislative session. Beginning as one proposal, it was later stripped of its original language and completely rewritten into a new piece of legislation, just hours before it was voted on. The lawsuit argues that this kind of last-minute rewriting and rushed approval process bypasses the constitutional requirement that every bill be read three times in each legislative chamber.

The legislation in question would significantly alter the state’s judicial system. Opponents believe it opens the door for Illinois to become a destination for out-of-state legal filings with little merit, which they argue would create a host of new problems. Business groups from across the state have warned that the measure could discourage investment, cost jobs, and weaken the state’s economic competitiveness.

Those involved in the lawsuit say this is not just about one bill, but about the broader pattern of pushing legislation through without proper review, public input, or debate. They believe this approach to lawmaking lessens trust in government and results in policies that do more harm than good.

Senator McClure and others are urging Governor J.B. Pritzker to veto the bill. Illinois residents who are concerned about the legislation are being encouraged to get involved by signing a petition online, available at Senator McClure’s website at www.senatormcclure.com.