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HB 25

TORT IMMUNITY-ADMIN JUDGES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mike Coffey and 1 co-sponsor

Illinois HB 25 grants tort immunity to administrative law judges, shielding them from civil lawsuits for actions within their official duties.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 25

Legislative bill overview

HB 25 proposes to grant tort immunity to administrative law judges (ALJs) in Illinois, protecting them from civil liability for actions taken within their official duties. The bill would shield these judicial officers from lawsuits arising from their judicial decisions and functions, similar to immunity protections already extended to traditional judges in many jurisdictions.

Why is this important

Administrative law judges handle thousands of cases annually involving workers' compensation, employment disputes, professional licensing, and regulatory matters that directly affect individuals and businesses. Immunity protections influence whether ALJs face financial liability for potentially erroneous rulings, which can affect judicial independence versus accountability for misconduct. This balance has broader implications for access to justice and the cost of defending against wrongful decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial accountability vs. independence - Immunity may shield ALJs from consequences for negligent or biased rulings, raising concerns about accountability while immunity supporters argue it's necessary for independent decision-making
  • Access to justice - Plaintiffs harmed by ALJ misconduct would lose the ability to seek civil remedies, limiting recourse for wrongful decisions while supporters argue existing disciplinary and appellate processes are sufficient
  • Scope of immunity - The bill's definition of immunity scope (what actions qualify as "within official duties") could be interpreted broadly or narrowly, affecting how much protection ALJs actually receive

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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