ICCTA Action Alert
Nov. 16, 2001


OPPOSE House Bill 3078

Yesterday the Illinois House overrode Gov. George Ryan's veto of House Bill 3078 by a vote of 103-10. If a similar override occurs in the Illinois Senate, the bill becomes law -- and the amount of funds expended or collected by public bodies (including community colleges) in legal settlements will become a matter of public record.

In ICCTA's opinion, this will discourage community college boards from settling cases. It will also increase college legal costs as cases are taken completely through the court system. While the bills appears to be one involving "good government," in effect it will make government more expensive.

In vetoing HB 3078, Gov. Ryan wrote:

Many governmental entities enter into settlement agreements with the understanding that neither party will disclose the details of the settlement. House Bill 3078 provides for the release of settlement agreements, and may effectively deter governmental entities from settling any litigation. Furthermore, this legislation may lead to higher settlements if governmental entities are compelled to disclose the amount of settlements. Finally, in listening to the concerns brought to my attention by local officials, it is my opinion that this bill would put governmental entities at a disadvantage in defending themselves against litigation.

The Illinois Press Association is lobbying strongly for an override in the Senate. Please contact your state Senator(s) ASAP to explain why HB 3078 should NOT become law.

Click here for a summary of HB 3078
Click here for the House roll call
Click here to find your state Senator's e-mail and phone numbers

For additional information on state legislative issues, contact ICCTA at 1-800-454-2282.



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Illinois Community College Trustees Association
401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200
Springfield, IL 62701-1711
217-528-2858 (phone)
217-528-8662 (fax)
ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail)
http://www.communitycolleges.org



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