State Representative Ryan Spain is joining fellow Republicans, including State Senator Li Arellano, Jr. and State Representative Bradley Fritts, in a lawsuit filed in Sangamon County to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Three Reading Rule on SB 328.
“Democrats are once again forcing through reckless legislation and ignoring the Constitution to do it,” said Senator Arellano. “Just like they did with the budget, these unethical practices lack transparency. When the rules are ignored and public scrutiny is bypassed, Illinois families end up footing the bill.”
The Third Reading Rule is the final stage of debate that bills are supposed to follow as outlined in the Illinois Constitution. The legislative process is designed for legislators to have adequate time to review and debate legislation. Bills are supposed to be read by title three times on three different days. However, Democrats have repeatedly subverted the Constitution in order to rush bills through without proper review.
“Illinois Democrats have shown time and time again that they will ignore any procedural rule, even our state Constitution, to advance their agenda,” said Leader Spain. “The Third Reading Rule is meant to guarantee that the people of the state of Illinois, and the legislators they elect to represent them, have an open and transparent process in place to review legislation. Every time Democrats subvert that process, it only degrades trust in state government further. This lawsuit is about guaranteeing Illinoisans get the transparent government they deserve.”
The Three Reading Rule is not optional. It is a safeguard to ensure that lawmakers and the public have time to examine legislation before it becomes law.
“The continued rule-breaking on behalf of Illinois Democrats needs to end,” said Representative Fritts. “Breaking the rules that ensure transparency and accountability to the people of Illinois is blatantly wrong and undermines our democracy. Every time these rules are ignored, it harms the people we were elected to serve.”
SB 328 is a clear example of why a bill needs to be read three times. If the governor signs this bill into law, it will allow anyone in the country to sue companies registered in Illinois—even if the case has no connection to the state. That would drive up costs, overwhelm the courts, and damage Illinois’ business climate.