IL House Overrides Veto of Vets Home Inspired Damage Awards Bill

Associated Press

November 28, 2018

People who are harmed or injured because of state government actions are now eligible for damage awards of as much as $2 million.

The House voted 71-36 Tuesday to override a veto on legislation raising the damage cap in the Illinois Court of Claims from $100,000. It becomes law.

Democratic Rep. Al Riley of Olympia Fields says the measure was inspired by the deadly outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Quincy. It has led to the deaths of 14 people since 2015 and families of several victims filed lawsuits.

Riley says the $100,000 cap was set more than 45 years ago.

Republicans argued that it could harm businesses in the state because they’ll have to show they have insurance to cover such large awards.

Republican Rauner used an amendatory veto to limit the cap to $300,000.

The bill is SB2841.

News article: http://khmoradio.com/il-house-overrides-veto-of-vets-home-inspired-damage-awards-bill/