RESOLUTION GRANTING CAROLINE SKUDLAREK, EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF ALFONS SKUDLAREK, PERMISSION TO SUE THE STATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Somers

Authorizes Caroline Skudlarek, executrix of Alfons Skudlarek's estate, to sue the State, overriding sovereign immunity and allowing potential damages or relief in court.

ON CONSENT CALENDAR /IN CONCURRENCE

#claimsagainstthestate-individualsnamed

Summary — HJ 89

Title: Resolution granting Caroline Skudlarek, executrix of the estate of Alfons Skudlarek, permission to sue the state
Bill type: Joint resolution (private claims)
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Status: On Consent Calendar / In Concurrence (adopted as amended by House amendment Sch. A and Senate action, 6/4/2025)

Purpose

HJ 89 is a private claims resolution that authorizes Caroline Skudlarek, in her capacity as executrix of the estate of Alfons Skudlarek, to bring a civil action against the State. Such resolutions are used when a claimant seeks permission from the legislature to pursue a claim against the state despite sovereign-immunity protections or when statutory remedies do not otherwise permit the suit.

Key provisions

Grants Caroline Skudlarek (executrix of the estate of Alfons Skudlarek) permission to initiate and prosecute a civil action against the State.

The text of the resolution (not provided here) would typically specify any limitations, court venue, or directions regarding service, but no dollar amounts, allegations, or procedural conditions are included in the summary record available.

By authorizing this suit, the General Assembly is effectively permitting the claimant to seek damages or other relief in the courts despite the State’s usual immunity from suit.

Who is affected

Primary claimant: Caroline Skudlarek, executrix for the estate of Alfons Skudlarek.

Defendant: the State (state agencies and potentially state employees insofar as the suit concerns state liability).

Fiscal impact: Potential financial exposure to the State if a judgment or settlement is entered; the specific amount (if any) is not stated in the available summary.

Legislative history and procedural timeline

2025-03-18: Referred to the Joint Committee on Judiciary.

2025-03-28: Public hearing held.

2025-04-10: Joint Favorable Substitute reported.

2025-04-11: Filed with LCO.

2025-04-21: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis.

2025-04-28: Favorable report; placed on House calendar (House Cal. No. 497); File No. 792.

2025-05-19: House adopted House Amendment Sch. A.

2025-05-20: Favorable report in Senate; Senate Cal. No. 525; File No. 943.

2025-06-04: Senate adopted House amendment Sch. A; adopted as amended by House; placed On Consent Calendar / In Concurrence.

Notes and next steps

The public summary does not include the underlying facts, legal theories, or any monetary claim. To assess merits or fiscal exposure, consult the full text of the resolution and any accompanying documents (LCO files 792 and 943, legislative docket entries, or committee reports).

Adoption “on consent calendar / in concurrence” indicates final legislative concurrence with amendments; the resolution’s authorization is effectively approved per the recorded actions.