SPRINGFIELD – A coalition of business groups has issued the following statement in opposition to HB219, which will add punitive damages to select court cases and stifle job creation and growth in Illinois:
“Two years ago, in the waning hours of the lame duck session, Democrats in the General Assembly imposed pre-judgement interest on lawsuits adding immense pressure to defendants to settle cases regardless of the merits of the case. And now, with only days remaining in the spring legislative session, it’s déjà vu with a last-minute amendment adding punitive damages to certain, select court cases. Lawmakers should not upend decades of legal precedent in order to tilt the playing field even more in favor of wealthy trial attorneys. This will further solidify Illinois’ reputation as a poor place to do business and make job creators take a second look at expanding or investing in Illinois.”
The measure is scheduled to be heard this morning in the House Judiciary-Civil Committee. The groups opposing the measure include:
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association
Illinois Retail Merchants Association
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Independent Business Illinois
Illinois Railroad Association
Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council
Mid-West Truckers Association
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
Illinois Trucking Association
Illinois Movers and Warehousemen’s Association
Chemical Industry Council of Illinois
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
Rockford Mutual Insurance Company
Allstate
Zurich North America