SB0724 Summary

• Limits class action jurisdiction to Illinois counties where the defendant's principal office is located, where the plurality of Illinois resident class members reside, or where the cause of action arose for the plurality of class members.

• Requires class certification only if the plurality of class members are Illinois residents or were physically in Illinois when the cause of action arose.

• Adds requirement that class action be superior to other available methods for fair and efficient adjudication, with court consideration of factors including member interest in individual control, existing litigation, forum concentration, and management difficulties.

• Mandates best practicable notice to all identifiable class members in plain language, including action nature, class definition, claims, member rights to counsel and exclusion, and binding effect of judgment.

• Requires court hearing and written finding of fairness for settlements involving coupons or noncash benefits, and prohibits approval of settlements causing net monetary loss to class members unless nonmonetary benefits outweigh the loss; requires court approval of reasonable attorney's fees based on benefits conferred.