IL HB2233

Amends Section 2-1108 of the Code of Civil Procedure regarding jury verdicts and special interrogatories in civil cases.

Changes special interrogatories from mandatory upon party request to optional at the court's discretion, allowing the jury to be asked rather than required to answer specific factual questions.

Modifies appellate review standard from questioning of law to abuse of discretion when reviewing trial court decisions to submit or refuse special interrogatories.

Requires trial court to direct jury to reconsider if special findings conflict with general verdict, and orders a new trial if jury cannot render a consistent general verdict.

Allows parties during closing arguments to explain to jury the consequences of inconsistency between general verdict and special findings; applies only to trials commencing on or after January 1, 2020.