ITLA Statement on Gov. Pritzker Signing SB 328 into Law

The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association thanks Gov. JB Pritzker for acting to protect those who live and work in our state from toxic substances by signing Senate Bill 328 into law. We applaud the governor for rejecting the Trumpian propaganda campaign of lies and fear-mongering mounted by the opponents to this urgently needed measure.

The sole intent of this new law is to provide the possibility of a more complete justice for grievous harms done to people by corporations that failed to protect their employees or customers from exposure to toxic substances. It will allow individuals who have suffered due to the actions of a company doing business in Illinois to hold accountable all businesses that contributed to their injury or illness, not just those that are legally or physically headquartered here. 

For those who are sick or dying, who cannot navigate the process of retaining legal counsel and filing suits in multiple states, nor endure the rigors of extensive and expensive travel for court proceedings, this change is a godsend and will ease the already considerable burdens they bear.

We also thank the members of the General Assembly who voted to send SB 328 to the governor. They, too, are to be commended for recognizing that, while those at the nation’s capitol strip away health, workplace and environmental protections, Illinois chooses a different path and will not tolerate people being exploited and hurt by big-money special interests. 

The truth is that Illinois is a very good state for business. It always has been and will continue to be now that SB 328 has become law. We have a highly skilled workforce, robust transportation networks and a wide range of economic sectors, including agriculture, arts, education, health care, logistics, manufacturing and professional services. We are an example for the nation that proves it’s not necessary to embrace race-to-the-bottom policies that trample workers’ rights and eliminate consumer protections to thrive. 

Gov. Pritzker’s signature on SB 328 has added additional teeth to our laws that will deter big businesses from behaving badly by putting profits before people and unfairly forcing Illinois taxpayers to clean up the messes irresponsible corporations leave behind.