Illinois bill could expose businesses to claims involving out-of-state
events
[June 03, 2025]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The Illinois General Assembly has passed
legislation from the state Senate president that could expose businesses
to lawsuits from around the country.
The Illinois House approved Senate Bill 328 in the final hours of the
legislative session over the weekend. SB 328 contains language from an
amended SB 26, which initially aimed to amend the Illinois Parentage Act
of 2015.
State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, sponsored SB 328 in the House.
Hoffman said the bill is an initiative of the Illinois Trial Lawyers
Association.
“We made it very clear that this only deals with actions under the
Hazardous Substances Act,” Hoffman said Saturday on the House floor.
Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, is the chief sponsor of the
bill.
According to Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) Illinois, the
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s political-action committee gave
Harmon $75,000 in campaign donations from 2022 to early 2025. The only
Illinois lawmaker to receive more from the ITLA PAC during that time was
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, who received
$80,000.
Welch was the chief House sponsor of SB 328 before Hoffman took over
last Friday.
The bill contains language that would change Illinois from a "specific
jurisdiction" state to a "general jurisdiction" state, expanding
Illinois courts’ reach over out-of-state businesses.
State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, asked Hoffman about a change when the
bill language moved over the weekend from Senate Bill 26 to Senate Bill
328.
“Did this remove any of the opposition, though, that you’re aware of?”
Ugaste asked.
“I don’t think so,” Hoffman said, chuckling.
“OK,” Ugaste said.
“I wish, but no,” Hoffman said.
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Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, takes questions -
BlueRoomStream
Ugaste asked Hoffman if the event for which there is an injury claim
would have to occur in Illinois.
“No, but there has to be, this is only in situations where at least
one of the responsible parties could already be held accountable
here in Illinois,” Hoffman responded.
Ugaste said the bill would open up Illinois courts to events that
happen out of state.
“The people could be completely outside of Illinois, the event could
occur outside of Illinois, the corporation is located outside of
Illinois, yet somehow we believe they should have access to Illinois
court,” Ugaste said.
Ugaste said the entire business community is opposed to the bill.
Despite opposition from Ugaste and other Republicans, House members
approved the measure by a vote of 77-40.
The American Tort Reform Association called the measure one of the
worst bills of the year. ATRA said in a statement it would saddle
Illinois families with “astronomically higher costs” and send a
message that businesses are not safe in Illinois.
“This would open the floodgates to lawsuits from around the country,
making every business registered in Illinois a target. For lawmakers
to sneak this in at the final hour is incredibly telling of just how
detrimental this legislation would be for hardworking Illinois
families,” ATRA president Tiger Joyce stated.
If Gov. J.B Pritzker signs Senate Bill 328, it would take effect
immediately.
Dan McCaleb and Kevin Bessler contributed to this
story.
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