St. Charles, IL – State Representative Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva) has joined with Republican colleagues in both the House and Senate as plaintiffs in a legal challenge regarding violations of the Illinois Constitution. A lawsuit has been filed in Sangamon County Court, alleging multiple violations of the Three Readings Rule by Democrats during the recently completed Spring Session.
The lawsuit identifies Senate Bill 328 as the clearest and most blatant violation. This gut-and-replace legislation did not receive the constitutionally required three readings. There was no deadline to pass this bill, and the Three Readings provision is a key safeguard for transparency and public trust. In addition to challenging these constitutional violations, Illinois Republicans are asking Governor Pritzker to veto SB 328 before it becomes law.
“Democrats’ rule-breaking has become increasingly egregious,” stated Rep. Ugaste. “The Three Readings Rule is not a suggestion; it is a constitutional mandate. Illinois Republicans will not tolerate this abuse of power by Democrats merely because they have one-party control in Springfield; we are standing together to fight for transparency on behalf of all Illinoisans.”
Senate Bill 328 would overhaul Illinois’ judicial system by allowing businesses to be sued by out-of-state plaintiffs in Illinois courts, regardless of where the incident occurred. 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 will only serve to further discourage businesses from coming to our state.