IllinoisHB1576104th General Assembly (2025–2026)House

CT OF CLAIMS TERMS-FEES-RULES

Sponsored By: Terra Costa Howard (Democratic)

Became Law

judiciary - civilassignmentsexecutive

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Which past claims these rules cover

Rules from Public Act 86-458 apply to warrants issued in the five years before August 31, 1989. Changes from Public Act 100-1124 apply to claims that were pending on November 27, 2018, and to claims filed after that date.

Court of Claims filing fees and exemptions

You pay a $15 filing fee if you ask for more than $50 but less than $1,000. You pay $35 if you ask for $1,000 or more. There is no fee for lapsed appropriations, lost warrants, Line of Duty, National Guardsman’s Compensation, Crime Victims Compensation, or for medical vendors billing Medical Assistance. If a prisoner’s filing is found frivolous, the prisoner must pay all fees and court costs. All fees go to the State Treasury.

Deadlines for innocence, victim, and line-of-duty claims

If you get a certificate of innocence or a Governor’s pardon, the court sets a hearing within 120 days. You must file that claim within 2 years of the certificate or pardon. Line-of-duty claims must meet the time set in the Line of Duty Compensation Act. Claims tied to a guardsman’s death must be filed within one year of death. Crime victim claims under paragraph (g) must follow the filing period in Section 6.1 of the Crime Victims Compensation Act.

Deadlines to file Court of Claims cases

Most claims must be filed within 2 years after the claim first accrues. Contract claims must be filed within 5 years after accrual. Vendors with claims under the Public Aid Code must file within 1 year. Claims over a Comptroller’s refusal to replace a warrant must be filed within 5 years of the refusal. Time limits are binding and jurisdictional, but minors and people under a legal disability have extra time after the disability ends.

Remote hearings and stricter court rules

The Court of Claims can hold sessions anywhere in Illinois or online. Judges and commissioners can sit remotely to take evidence and run cases. You can file and pay fees electronically and join hearings remotely under court rules. The Court’s rules are binding, and deadline extensions require a timely motion. Commissioners must be licensed Illinois attorneys. The Court can issue subpoenas, and a circuit court can enforce them if someone refuses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Terra Costa Howard
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Michael W. Halpin
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 249 • No: 86

House vote • 5/31/2025

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 House Concurs

Yes: 81 • No: 34

House vote • 5/30/2025

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Motion to Concur Recommends Be Adopted Judiciary - Civil Committee;

Yes: 13 • No: 7

Senate vote • 5/29/2025

Third Reading - Passed;

Yes: 56 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

Do Pass as Amended Executive;

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

Third Reading - Short Debate - Passed

Yes: 75 • No: 38

House vote • 3/5/2025

Do Pass / Short Debate Judiciary - Civil Committee;