CHERRY VALLEY—State Senator Dave Syverson and State Representative Jeff Keicher are joining a Sangamon County lawsuit to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Reading Rule on SB 328.
“Once again, Democrats are forcing a reckless bill through the legislature and ignoring the Constitution to do it,” said Senator Syverson. “What message does it send when elected officials don’t follow the law? Without transparency in how laws are passed, it’s Illinois families who pay the price.”
The constitution demands every bill up for a vote be publicly announced on three separate days in each chamber. Democrats skipped that step, ramming legislation through just hours after filing the final language.
“The Three Reading Rule is meant to guarantee that the people, and the legislators they elect to represent them, have an open and transparent process in place to review legislation,” said House Republican Conference Chairman Jeff Keicher. “Every time Illinois Democrats subvert that process to advance their agenda, it only degrades trust in state government further. Illinoisans deserve an open and transparent government, and that is what this lawsuit is about.”
The Three Reading Rule isn’t a suggestion: it’s a guardrail for transparency, giving lawmakers and the public time to scrutinize legislation. When ignored, bad bills become law.
SB 328 is a prime example. The Republican lawmakers say that this bill invites anyone in America to sue companies registered in Illinois—even when the dispute has zero ties to our state—cementing Illinois as a national “judicial hellhole,” clogging courts, driving up costs, and killing jobs.
Republican leaders have already filed suit to defend the constitution and protect Illinois families, but Governor Pritzker can end this fight today.
People can sign a petition and urge the Governor to veto SB 328. The lawmakers urge people to add their name to the petition because they say that Illinois workers, families, and small businesses deserve open government and fair courts, not a handout to trial lawyers. The petition is available here.