Assembly Bill 67 proposes amendments to the statutes regarding venue assignments in legal actions involving governmental parties, particularly when such actions are filed in counties with first or second class cities. The bill allows any party involved in such an action to request a random venue assignment, which must be filed within five days of the summons and complaint or the governmental party's motion to intervene. The clerk of the circuit court is then required to randomly select a different circuit for the case, ensuring that the original circuit is excluded from the assignment. Once a venue is assigned under this provision, no further changes to the venue can be made by any party or the court.

The bill introduces new definitions and procedures, specifically defining "governmental party" to include various state officials and legislative bodies acting in their official capacities. It also amends existing statutes to clarify that venue changes are subject to the new random assignment process, with specific provisions for notifying the relevant clerks of courts and parties involved. Notably, the bill deletes previous language regarding venue changes and adds a fee structure for parties opting for random venue assignment.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 801.50(6), 801.50, 814.61(2)(title), 814.61