Representative Terry R. Parke (R)
44th District
In spite of the weight carried by trial attorneys in Springfield, legislation banning consumers from suing restaurants or food manufacturers for their obesity, sailed unanimously through the House and Senate earlier this year.
The Illinois Commonsense Consumption Act, which was signed into law July 30, provides that “no person shall bring a qualified civil action in state court against any manufacturer, seller, or trade association of a qualified product.”
"If people want to overeat they need to take personal responsibility for it," said State Rep. Terry Parke, (R-Schaumburg), one of the bill's co-sponsors.
Parke added that enacting the legislation was necessary because of judicial activism.
"Courts are supposed to interpret the laws, not make them," he added. "We're sick and tired of them sticking their noses into our responsibility."
Attempts to reach Metro-East legislator, State Rep. Tom Holbrook (D-Belleville) for comment on this story, were not successful.
The law takes effect Jan. 1.