Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which led the American Tort Reform Association to label Illinois a “Lawsuit Inferno.”

Senate Bill 328, sponsored by Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, expands jurisdiction for claims alleging injury or illness resulting from exposure to toxic substances.

Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said Democrats have once again chosen to reward trial lawyers at the expense of job creators.

Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

The governor signed 267 bills and vetoed two Friday, including one he said would have allowed extremist groups to exploit a proposed non-profit investment pool.

The governor signed bills raising the state’s annual driving test age from 75 to 79, expanding the requirements for firearm reporting on school grounds, and enabling mental health profession applicants to practice while awaiting licensure.

Measure would require parental consent for mental health screenings

Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, has reintroduced a bill which she says will protect parental rights and combat Illinois’ new mandate for student mental health screenings.

On July 31, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation requiring Illinois’ public school districts to provide universal screening.

Miller’s bill would require prior written consent from a parent (or the student, if an adult or emancipated minor) before any school survey on sensitive personal information can be administered.