HB0264 Summary

• Eliminates the provision allowing actions to be commenced in any Illinois county when all defendants are nonresidents of the State.

• Modifies venue rules for corporations and partnerships by requiring actions be brought where they have an office or are doing business, rather than based on partner or officer residency.

• Removes the provision allowing insurance companies to be sued in any county where the plaintiff resides.

• Increases the joint and several liability threshold from 25% to 50% of fault, meaning defendants are only jointly liable for all damages (other than medical expenses) if found 50% or more at fault.

• Caps recovery for medical care, treatment, and caretaking expenses to amounts actually paid or expected to be paid, regardless of initial billing amounts.

• Adds a new motion allowing courts to dismiss actions where no party is a state resident and another forum has jurisdiction, unless the cause of action primarily arose in Illinois or justice requires proceeding in-state.