HB 3468

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Antitrust Act. Provides that it is a violation of the Act to make a contract with or engage in any combination or conspiracy with, any purchaser from a person who purchases for resale, for the purpose of fixing, controlling, or maintaining the minimum price or rate charged for any commodity sold by the purchaser upon resale. Provides that it is a violation of the Act to contract with a person to unreasonably restrain trade or commerce by (i) participating in any act of boycott, coercion, intimidation or refusal to deal; (ii) participating in any allocation of customer or geographic markets as between a seller and a purchaser who purchases commodities from the seller for resale; (iii) entering into any arrangement as between a seller and a purchaser regarding the maximum price at which commodities are resold by the purchaser; or (iv) entering into any arrangement as between a seller and purchaser that the seller will sell a commodity or service only on condition that the buyer also purchase a different commodity or service where the restraint of trade occurs or is likely to occur in the market. Suspends the statute of limitations during the pendency of any complaint, information, or indictment filed by the United States and for one year thereafter. Raises the penalty to $1,000,000 (instead of $100,000) for a violation of the Act by a corporation and $100,000 (instead of $50,000) for a violation of the Act by every other person. Requires answers to interrogatories to be accompanied by a statement under oath attesting to the accuracy of the answers. Provides that the obligation to pay fees and mileage to witnesses does not apply to any officer, director, or person in the employ of any person, partnership, company, corporation, trust, or association whose conduct or practices are being investigated. Entitles any party brought to trial for violation of the Act, where criminal sanctions can be imposed or civil penalties or damages can be recovered, to a trial by jury. Makes other changes.