Illinois Republicans sue Democratic legislative leaders, accusing them of violating the state constitution by rushing through the newly approved state budget without allowing proper review or public input. Filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court, the lawsuit targets the process used to pass the $53 billion spending plan and related bills.
Led by State Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport), the suit claims that Democrats abused the Illinois Constitution’s “Three Readings Rule,” which is meant to ensure that lawmakers have time to read and consider legislation before voting. Chesney said Democrat leaders routinely exploit loopholes, gutting shell bills and replacing them with dense language in the final hours of the session.
“We’re asking the courts to put guardrails around the three reading rules,” Chesney stated. “The taxpayers lose each and every time.”
The lawsuit alleges that lawmakers had just 29 to 30 hours to review the 3,300-page budget bill, which contains over 1.7 million words. Republicans argue they needed between 70 and 119 hours to reasonably review and debate the legislation.
Plaintiffs include Reps. Chris Miller, Blaine Wilhour, Adam Niemerg, Jed Davis, David Friess, and Brad Halbrook. The suit names House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon as defendants. The complaint accuses Democratic leadership of using shell bills and last-minute substitutions to bypass scrutiny and prevent citizens from participating in the legislative process through their elected representatives.
Republicans are seeking a court declaration that the budget and associated bills were passed unconstitutionally. They are also requesting a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and permanent injunction to block the budget from taking effect.
In addition to the budget, the lawsuit references similar procedural abuses in other high-profile legislation, including the controversial SAFE-T Act and the state’s gun ban.
