SPECIAL INTERROGATORIES-REPEAL

Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Repeals a provision regarding special interrogatories in verdicts. Effective immediately. Land Conveyance Appraisal Note (Dept. of Transportation) No land conveyances are included in this bill; therefore, there are no appraisals to be filed. Fiscal Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) Based on a review of the bill, it has been determined that the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on the state appropriation to the judicial branch. It is not possible to determine what fiscal impact, if any the bill would have on local judicial budgets. Judicial Note (Admin Office of the Illinois Courts) This legislation would neither increase nor decrease the number of judges needed in the State of Illinois. Pension Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill will not impact any public pension fund or retirement system in Illinois. State Debt Impact Note (Government Forecasting & Accountability) This bill would not change the amount of authorization for any type of State-issued or State-supported bond, and, therefore, would not affect the level of State indebtedness. Housing Affordability Impact Note (Housing Development Authority) This bill will have no effect on the cost of constructing, purchasing, owning, or selling a single-family residence. Balanced Budget Note (Office of Management and Budget) Please be advised that the Balanced Budget Note Act does not apply to this bill, as it is not a supplemental appropriation that increases or decreases appropriations. Under the Act, a balanced budget note must be prepared only for bills that change a general funds appropriation for the fiscal year in which the new bill is enacted. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 735 ILCS 5/2-1108 rep. Adds reference to: 735 ILCS 5/2-1108 from Ch. 110, par. 2-1108 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Provides that within the discretion of the court, the jury may be asked (rather than required by the court, and must be required on the request of any party) to find specially upon any material question or questions of fact submitted to the jury in writing. Provides that any party may request special interrogatories. Provides that submitting or refusing to submit a question of fact to the jury may be reviewed on appeal to determine whether the trial court abused its discretion (rather than as a ruling on a question of law). Provides that when any special finding of fact is inconsistent with the general verdict, the court shall direct the jury to further consider its answers and verdicts, and if, in the discretion of the trial court, the jury is unable to render a general verdict consistent with any special finding, the trial court shall order a new trial (rather than the former controls the latter and the court may enter judgment accordingly). Provides that during closing arguments, the parties shall be allowed to explain to the jury what may result if the general verdict is inconsistent with any special findings. Provides that the Act applies only to trials commencing on or after January 1, 2020. Effective immediately.