Money-grab bill stalls in Springfield

A legislative proposal that would have shifted the burden of compensation in tort cases to the party with the most money rather than the most responsibility, appears to be stalled in the Illinois General Assembly.

According to the Illinois Civil Justice League, a staunch opponent of SB 1296, the House sponsor of the bill chose not to call it for a vote on Wednesday.

The bill was supported by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and opposed by business and insurance interests, defense lawyers, as well as local governments, who called it a "money-grab" bill.

State Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Evanston, took the bill out of the record when it was called, according to an ICJL report.

"Numerous reports indicated that supporters realized they did not have enough votes to pass it," the ICJL report stated.

The ICJL cautions, "SB 1296 remains alive and could be revived in the November session of the General Assembly or in 2008."

House legislators worked until the early hours Thursday to approve a budget to send to the Senate. The spring session of the Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to conclude today.