Sangamon Sun

State Representative Mike Coffey, along with other Republican members of the Illinois House and Senate, has filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County court. The lawsuit aims to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Third Reading Rule concerning Senate Bill 328. Despite holding supermajorities in both legislative chambers, Democrats are accused of ignoring this rule, which is intended to ensure public transparency as legislation progresses.

Rep. Coffey expressed his concerns, stating, “The Illinois Democrats’ rule breaking is appalling to taxpayers across the state, and Republicans continue to be cut out of steadily more discussion as major pieces of legislation are passed while subverting the legislative process.” He added that SB328 had no deadline, allowing ample time for constitutional procedures to be followed.

The Third Reading Rule mandates that bills should be read by title three times on separate days before final approval. This procedure is designed to give legislators sufficient time for review and debate. However, Republicans claim that Democrats have frequently bypassed this requirement to expedite bill passage without adequate scrutiny.

The lawsuit highlights what Republicans describe as a clear violation of the Illinois Constitution regarding Senate Bill 328. They argue that the bill poses potential harm by increasing legal processes favorable to trial lawyers and is opposed by job creators across Illinois.

Rep. Coffey represents Illinois’ 95th House District, which includes parts of Sangamon County such as Springfield and the Villages of Chatham and Rochester, as well as areas in Macon and Christian Counties.

For further information, Rep. Coffey's office can be contacted at 217-782-0053 or via email at [email protected].