Rock Island Today

State Senator Neil Anderson has joined other Republican lawmakers in filing a lawsuit in Sangamon County Circuit Court. The suit accuses Illinois Democrats of abusing their power unconstitutionally during the passage of Senate Bill 328.

The core issue in the lawsuit is an alleged violation of the Illinois Constitution’s Three Readings Rule, which mandates that every bill be read by title on three separate days in each legislative chamber to ensure transparency and accountability. According to the lawsuit, Democrats bypassed this requirement entirely.

“Democrats in Springfield have grown arrogant in their supermajority power,” stated Senator Anderson. “They trample the Constitution, suspend the rules at will, and ram through legislation behind closed doors, with little to no time for review and no public input.”

Senator Anderson highlighted concerns about SB 328, describing it as a dangerous piece of legislation that could lead to increased exploitation by trial lawyers, invite costly litigation, and negatively impact job creators amid existing economic challenges in Illinois.

“This is more than politics; it’s a battle for the rule of law,” said Senator Anderson. “If we let this slide, we’re handing the keys of government over to unchecked power. We’re drawing the line. Enough is enough.”

The lawsuit claims that there is a pattern among Democratic lawmakers of circumventing constitutional requirements to expedite extreme legislation. This practice allegedly results in less transparency and debate while reducing protections for citizens. “We are standing up not only for constitutional order but for every Illinoisan who deserves an open and honest government,” said Senator Anderson. “This lawsuit is about restoring balance, enforcing the law, and stopping the corrupt games that have plagued this state for far too long.”