* SB2008 is sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea)…

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce released the following statement following House committee passage of SB2008, which includes key initiatives to enhance the Illinois Film Tax Credit and bolster Illinois’ economy through investments in new and existing businesses:

“Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that Illinois adopt and expand proactive policies to attract and grow businesses. We thank Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their leadership in developing this comprehensive package, which contains numerous initiatives the Chicagoland Chamber has long advocated for to help drive our economy forward,” said Jack Lavin, President and CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “This includes expanding the wildly successful Illinois Film Tax Credit, which will further cement our state as a key player in the film and television industry, as well as a new tax credit for innovative manufacturers that will provide support for companies making large capital investments. Additional provisions will help established Illinois companies maintain and create new jobs, strengthen electric and hybrid vehicle supply chains, expand apprenticeship programs to build a skilled workforce, and help innovators develop and bring new products to the market. These initiatives showcase the depth and breadth of Illinois’ economy and will help us maintain the competitive edge needed to attract high-growth industries of the future, helping to secure our state and region’s economic success for years to come.”

More on SB2008 from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…

“We’re proud to have worked in collaboration with Gov. JB Pritzker’s office and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on several key provisions of this proposal, including incentives to help small and medium-sized manufacturers build and upgrade their facilities and equipment, as well as extending and increasing apprenticeship programs that are crucial to building a skilled workforce for the future. We have championed efforts to support existing Illinois companies that are retaining jobs and making significant capital investments and are encouraged by initiatives to repurpose state properties into business-ready sites ready to welcome new large-scale development. While there is more work to be done, these are the kind of policies that help Illinois remain competitive and encourage continued growth.”

Lots more in the bill.

* SB26 is also sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman. The following press release is from a large number of business groups, including the two mentioned above, the Chicagoland Chamber and the IMA…

Leading Business Groups Oppose Sweeping Legal Overreach

Proposed Bill Would Expand Jurisdiction, Invite More Lawsuits Against Out-of-State Companies

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ business community is united in opposition to proposed legislation that would drastically expand Illinois’ jurisdictional reach. House Amendment #2 to SB 26 would expose out-of-state companies to lawsuits in Illinois courts—even when the underlying claims and parties have no connection to the state.

“This last-minute request of trial lawyers represents a significant and concerning expansion of liability for out-of-state businesses operating in Illinois. The amendment would change Illinois from a ‘specific jurisdiction’ to a ‘general jurisdiction’ state, making any company simply registered to do business here subject to lawsuits that have no connection to Illinois—filed by plaintiffs who may have no ties to our state, on matters that occurred elsewhere. This proposal is rooted in the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision Mallory v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co., which opened the door for states to adopt so-called ‘consent-by-registration’ laws. While the Court found such laws do not violate due process, the decision left it to individual states to determine their own approach. Illinois should be cautious about taking a path that could make our courts a national magnet for toxic tort litigation. When similar legislation passed in New York last year, it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul, who recognized the risks of such a sweeping policy. We urge lawmakers to reject this amendment and instead support policies that promote fairness, protect due process, and encourage businesses to invest and grow in Illinois.”

An excerpt of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) veto message (Veto #147) is below:

“I vetoed substantially similar legislation in 2021 due to concerns that the proposal would represent a massive expansion of New Yorks’s laws governing general jurisdiction, likely deterring out-of-state companies from doing business in New York because it would require them to be subject to lawsuits in the State regardless of any connection to New York. The bill would cause uncertainty for those businesses and burden the judicial system.”

The trial lawyers’ bill cleared the House yesterday 75-37 and goes back to the Senate for concurrence.