Metro East Sun

State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik have joined a lawsuit to advocate for transparency in the Illinois lawmaking process. The legal action, filed by Republican members of the Illinois House and Senate in Sangamon County Circuit Court, seeks to enforce the Third Reading Rule outlined in the state constitution. This rule mandates that every bill be read on three separate days in each legislative chamber before it can be passed.

Senator Harriss expressed concern over what she describes as a broken process where "the supermajority regularly suspends the rules to fast-track massive bills without proper scrutiny." She emphasized that this practice denies lawmakers and the public adequate time for review and input, which she considers unfair to taxpayers.

Representative Elik highlighted that when constitutional rules are disregarded, significant legislation like a $55.3 billion budget can pass with minimal debate, leaving residents uninformed. She stressed that the lawsuit aims to restore integrity to the legislative process, addressing repeated power abuses that undermine public trust.

The lawsuit particularly challenges Senate Bill 328's passage, claiming it violated constitutional procedures. Republicans argue this could lead to increased legal issues and harm Illinois' economic environment by deterring businesses.

In a joint statement, Harriss and Elik clarified their stance: "This isn’t about politics, it’s about process... We’re taking a stand for the Constitution, for public trust, and for the people of Illinois."