Representative Tracy Wants to End Forum Shopping [Audio]

(SPRINGFIELD)—Legislation sponsored by Illinois State Representative Jil Tracy is intended to end forum shopping in civil lawsuits.

Current Illinois law allows plaintiffs to bring suit in any county if they are non residents. Tracy wants that to change.

Tracy says that HB-138 in no way restricts plaintiffs’ accessibility to the courts for the purposes of bringing lawsuits. Tracy also observes that forum shopping often carries a price to Illinois counties and those involved in the case.

The bill would amend the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure to provide for dismissal of lawsuits for lack of proper venue if the defendants are not Illinois residents and the cause of action didn’t occur in the state. Under current state law plaintiffs are allowed to bring suits in any county if the defendants are nonresidents.

Jil Tracy comments on the added expense that current Illinois law on forum shopping can bring...