The Illinois House is spending today hearing testimony about Illinois' civil justice system. Governor Bruce Rauner has made making Illinois more business-friendly a priority.
Illinois Lawsuit Abuse Watch's Travis Akin says small business owners frequently complain to him about Illinois' lawsuit climate. He says they fear that a single lawsuit will wipe them out.
"Greedy personal injury lawyers have transformed the Land of Lincoln into the Land of Lawsuits. And this is driving businesses and jobs out of Illinois."
Akin says he supports the Governor's recommendations. Rauner proposes restricting where lawsuits can be filed. He says now, parties shop for friendly venues.
But trial lawyers say that's a misguided perception, that has been promoted by wealthy interests that stand to benefit from limitations. They say the courts are even-handed places where victims can hold wrongdoers accountable.
The special House hearing was called by House Speaker Michael Madigan, the second time he has called for one in as many weeks.
The first so-called "committee of the whole" centered on another plank in Rauner's agenda, workers' compensation. Democrats are generally opposed to Rauner’s tort and workers' comp plans.
