Government Affairs Update

What we're watching this week:

• Gov. Pritzker will present his State of the State and Budget address to a joint session of the Illinois legislature on Wednesday, Feb. 15. 
• An Iowa bill, HF 161, would limit the amount of money that can be awarded to patients involved in medical malpractice claims. The bill caps non-economic damages at $2 million for malpractice cases involving a hospital, and $1 million for cases involving independent clinics. It’s already been passed by the Iowa legislature, and is currently waiting on Gov. Reynold’s signature.
• Iowa Senate Study Bill 1123 is a government reorganization bill that’s currently making its way through the Iowa legislature. Due to the size of the bill, over 1500 pages, legislators will review it piece by piece over the course of multiple meetings.
• HF 201, better known as the Truckers Reform bill, has been introduced in the Iowa legislature. If passed, the bill would limit the amount of money available from an employer who is a defendant in a lawsuit involving a commercial vehicle. The bill would cap damages available against the owner or operator of a commercial vehicle for personal injury or death at $1 million. 
• We invite you to join us on Friday, Feb. 24 at Vibrant Arena at The Mark when we’ll have a chance to speak with Illinois state senators.
• Lastly, don’t forget to check out our Bill Tracker, where you can get the scoop on every bill currently on the floor in the Iowa and Illinois legislatures.