Bill Text: IL SB1846 | 2013-2014 | 98th General Assembly | Veto Message
Bill Title: Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Defines "court-sponsored pro bono program" as a pro bono program established by or in partnership with a circuit court in this State for the purpose of providing free civil legal services by an organized panel of pro bono attorneys. Changes the definition of "indigent person" to mean a person whose income is 125% or less of the current official federal poverty income guidelines or who is otherwise eligible to receive civil legal services under the eligibility guidelines of the civil legal services provider or court-sponsored pro bono program (instead of under the Legal Services Corporation Act of 1974). Makes a subsection waiving certain court fees applicable to filings by attorneys in court-sponsored pro bono programs.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Failed) 2013-10-31 - Total Veto Stands [SB1846 Detail]
Download: Illinois-2013-SB1846-Veto_Message.html
August 2, 2013
To the Honorable Members of the Illinois Senate
98th General Assembly:
In accordance with Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 1846 from the 98th General Assembly.
I would like to commend the sponsors for their efforts on this bill. Equal access to the courts is vitally important in a free society, and we must always strive to ensure that one’s income level does not affect that access. The establishment of a court-sponsored pro bono program is an initiative that has my full support.
However, Senate Bill 1846 contains provisions which are almost identical to House Bill 3111, which is still under consideration. In order to avoid duplication within our laws, I will not approve Senate Bill 1846.
Accordingly, I must return this bill without my approval. Therefore, pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1846, entitled “AN ACT concerning civil law”, with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.
Sincerely,
PAT QUINN
Governor
