Case: Illinois Conservative Union, Inc. v. State of Illinois

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

Illinois Conservative Union, Et Al V. State of Illinois, Et Al

COMPLAINT and Exhibits 1-3 filed by Loretta J. Savee, Illinois Conservative Union, Janet L. Shaw, Carol J. Davis; Filing fee $ 400, receipt number 0752-17452069. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Shestokas, David) (Entered: 09/18/2020)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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CIVIL Cover Sheet (Shestokas, David) (Entered: 09/21/2020)

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw by David John Shestokas (Shestokas, David) (Entered: 09/21/2020)

CASE ASSIGNED to the Honorable Sara L. Ellis. Designated as Magistrate Judge the Honorable Beth W. Jantz. Case assignment: Random assignment. (mp, )

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois by Kelly C. Bauer (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 10/16/2020)

First MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois, MOTION by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 11/23/2020)

1 Exhibit A

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NOTICE of Motion by Kelly C. Bauer for presentment of Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim,, motion to dismiss/lack of jurisdiction, 5 before Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 12/1/2020 at 09:45 AM. (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 11/23/2020)

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw by Stephen F. Boulton (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 11/30/2020)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis:The Court sets the following briefing schedule on Defendant's motion to dismiss 5 : Plaintiff's response is due by 1/11/2021 and Defendant's reply is due by 1/25/2021. The Court sets a status date for 4/28/2021 at 9:30 a.m. for ruling on Defendant's motion to dismiss. The Court stays discovery pending ruling on Defendant's motion to dismiss. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 11/30/2020)

NOTICE of Motion by Stephen F. Boulton for presentment of motion for leave to file excess pages 9 before Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 1/12/2021 at 09:45 AM. (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 01/06/2021)

MOTION by Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw for leave to file excess pages of Response and Reply to Motion to Dismiss (Agreed) (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 01/06/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court grants Plaintiff's agreed motion for leave to file its response in excess of fifteen pages 9 . The Court allows the response and reply briefs to be twenty pages in length. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 01/11/2021)

MEMORANDUM by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim,, motion to dismiss/lack of jurisdiction, 5 (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 01/11/2021)

NOTICE by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw of Filing of Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 01/11/2021)

MOTION by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois for extension of time to file response/reply (unopposed) (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 01/25/2021)

NOTICE of Motion by Kelly C. Bauer for presentment of motion for extension of time to file response/reply 14 before Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 1/28/2021 at 01:45 PM. (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 01/25/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court grants Defendants' motion for extension of time 14 . Defendants' reply is due by 2/1/2021. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 01/27/2021)

REPLY by Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois to memorandum in opposition to motion 12 (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 02/01/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Telephone Conference set for 4/28/2021 is stricken and reset to 6/2/2021 at 9:30 AM for ruling on Defendant's motion to dismiss. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Please be sure to keep your phone on mute when you are not speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 04/21/2021)

OPINION AND ORDER. For the reasons stated in the accompanying Opinion and Order, the Court grants in part and denies in part Defendants' motion to dismiss 5 . The Court dismisses the equal protection claim (Count II) against the State and the Board. The Court reserves ruling on the State and the Board's sovereign immunity argument with respect to the NVRA claim. The Court orders the parties to file supplemental briefs addressing the question of whether Congress abrogated sovereign immunity under the NVRA, with citations to relevant legal authority, by July 2. Telephone Conference set for 6/2/2021 is stricken and reset to 9/8/2021 at 9:30 AM for ruling. Signed by the Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 6/1/2021. Mailed notice(rj, ) (Entered: 06/01/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Please be sure to keep your phone on mute when you are not speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 06/02/2021)

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number 0752-18311595. (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 06/02/2021)

Motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 21 is granted. Signed by the Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 6/16/2021. Mailed notice(gcy, ) (Entered: 06/16/2021)

MEMORANDUM by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw as Supplemental Response to Motion to Dismiss (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

NOTICE by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw of Filing of Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss (Boulton, Stephen) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

SUPPLEMENT to Defendants' motion to dismiss Plaintiffs' complaint (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status hearing set for 9/8/2021 and resets it to 9/29/2021 at 9:30 AM for ruling. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Please be sure to keep your phone on mute when you are not speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice. (ym, ) (Entered: 09/03/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court orders Defendants to file a response of no more than five pages addressing whether states waived their sovereign immunity for cases arising under the Elections Clause pursuant to the plan of the Convention doctrine by 9/20/2021. Mailed notice (air, ) (Entered: 09/09/2021)

SUPPLEMENT to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss (second) (Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

ORDER. In its June 1, 2021 Opinion and Order 19, the Court reserved ruling on whether Plaintiffs can pursue the NVRA claim against the State and the Board. After supplemental briefing, the Court now denies Defendants' motion to dismiss the NVRA claim based on sovereign immunity. See Statement. Signed by the Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 9/28/2021:Emailed notice(rj, ) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Under the plan of the Convention doctrine, the Court finds that Plaintiffs may proceed against the State and the Board and denies the State and the Board's motion to dismiss the NVRA claim 5 based on sovereign immunity. The Court strikes the status date set for 9/29/2021 and resets it to 10/26/2021 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint initial status report by 10/19/2021. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Please be sure to keep your phone on mute when you are not speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Emailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 09/28/2021)

Defendants' ANSWER to Complaint and Affirmative Defenses by Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois(Bauer, Kelly) (Entered: 10/12/2021)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 10/18/2021)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court sets the following discovery schedule: Rule 26(a) disclosures are due by 11/5/2021; written discovery to issue by 11/19/2021; and fact discovery closes on 4/1/2022. The Court strikes the status date set for 10/26/2021 and resets it to 4/6/2022 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report by 3/30/2022 indicating the status of fact discovery, the status of settlement discussions and whether the parties request a referral to the magistrate judge for settlement purposes, whether the parties require expert discovery prior to dispositive motion practice, and proposed schedules for expert discovery and summary judgment briefing, where applicable. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 10/25/2021)

WITHDRAWING Assistant Attorney General Kelly C. Bauer as counsel for Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois and substituting Sarah Hughes Newman as counsel of record (Newman, Sarah) (Entered: 01/18/2022)

WITHDRAWING Sarah Newman as counsel for Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois and substituting Margaret Jones as counsel of record (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

MOTION by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois for extension of time to complete discovery (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 01/31/2022)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 03/30/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court grants the parties' motion for extension of fact discovery 36 . The Court extends fact discovery through 5/31/2022 and extends Defendants' time to answer discovery through 2/18/2022. The Court reminds the parties to notice motions for presentment. The Court strikes the status date set for 4/6/2022 and resets it to 6/9/2022 at 1:30 p.m. The parties should file a joint status report by 6/2/2022 indicating the status of fact discovery, the status of settlement discussions and whether the parties request a referral to the magistrate judge for settlement purposes, whether the parties require expert discovery prior to dispositive motion practice, and proposed schedules for expert discovery and summary judgment briefing, where applicable. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll-free number). Please be sure to keep your phone on mute when you are not speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 04/05/2022)

MOTION by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois to stay (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Filing)(Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 05/20/2022)

NOTICE of Motion by Margaret Jones for presentment of motion to stay 39 before Honorable Sara L. Ellis on 5/31/2022 at 09:30 AM. (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 05/24/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court grants Defendants' motion to stay 39 and stays discovery through 7/29/2022. The Court strikes the status date set for 6/9/2022 and resets it to 8/3/2022 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report by 7/26/2022 indicating the status of fact discovery, the status of settlement discussions and whether the parties request a referral to the magistrate judge for settlement purposes, whether the parties require expert discovery prior to dispositive motion practice, and proposed schedules for expert discovery and summary judgment briefing, where applicable. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 05/27/2022)

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw by Thornton Russell Nobile (Nobile, Thornton) (Entered: 06/09/2022)

STATUS Report by Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 07/26/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 8/3/2022 and resets it to 8/31/2022 at 9:30 a.m. The Court continues the stay through 8/31/2022. The parties should file a joint status report indicating the status of settlement discussions by 8/24/2022. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing. The call-in number is (866) 434-5269 and the access code is 8087837. Counsel of record will receive an email with instructions to join the call. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 08/02/2022)

STATUS Report by Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss, State of Illinois (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 08/24/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 8/31/2022 and resets it to 11/1/2022 at 9:30 a.m. The Court enters a referral to the magistrate judge for settlement purposes. The parties should file a joint status report regarding their settlement discussions by 10/25/2022. The Court continues the stay of discovery pending a settlement conference with the magistrate judge. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing. The call-in number is (866) 434-5269 and the access code is 8087837. Counsel of record will receive an email with instructions to join the call. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 08/30/2022)

Pursuant to Local Rule 72.1, this case is hereby referred to the calendar of Honorable Beth W. Jantz for the purpose of holding proceedings related to: settlement conference.(rj, )Mailed notice. (Entered: 10/24/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: This case was referred on 10/24/22 to the Magistrate Judge for proceedings related to a settlement conference 47 . The parties are directed to review and comply with Magistrate Judge Jantz's Standing Order for Settlement Conferences. A telephonic pre-settlement conference call is scheduled for 10/27/22 at 12:00 p.m. Central. To join the pre-settlement call by phone, dial 888-273-3658 and enter access code 2217918. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 10/24/2022)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 10/25/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Telephonic pre-settlement conference call held on 10/27/22. A settlement conference is set for 12/19/22 at 10:00 a.m. Central. Format, whether in-person, by video, or hybrid, to be determined later; parties shall let the Court's courtroom deputy know their choice of format by 12/5/22. Plaintiffs' settlement position statement is due to this Court's settlement inbox (Settlement_Correspondence_Jantz@ilnd.uscourts.gov) and to opposing counsel by 11/15/22; Defendants' responsive statement is due to the same by 11/29/22. The parties are directed to review and comply with Magistrate Judge Jantz's Standing Order for Settlement Conferences. Given the unique nature of the case, the parties' position statements should focus in particular on (1) Plaintiffs' legal authority for obtaining the specific information at issue, (2) Defendants' concerns surrounding production of that information, and (3) creative proposals for resolving the matter in a mutually agreeable way. Should the parties need to contact the Court if issues arise or they wish to pursue a different method of settlement, they may jointly email the Court's courtroom deputy at any time. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Pursuant to the settlement conference scheduled for 12/19/2022, the Court strikes the status date set for 11/1/2022 and resets it to 1/11/2023 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report regarding settlement discussions by 1/4/2023. The Court continues the stay of discovery pending the settlement conference with the magistrate judge. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is necessary. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing. The call-in number is (866) 434-5269 and the access code is 8087837. Counsel of record will receive an email with instructions to join the call. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 10/31/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: The Court has received the parties' settlement position statements in this matter. After reviewing the parties' positions, the Court would like to conduct ex parte calls with counsel for each side in advance of the 12/19/2022 settlement conference. Permission to hold such calls have been received from the parties via email. Accordingly, Plainitff's ex parte call is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. CT on 12/9/2022 and Defendants' ex parte call is scheduled at 1:30 p.m. CT on 12/6/2022. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 12/05/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: After obtaining permission to hold ex parte calls re settlement from both parties via email, Defendants' ex parte call with the Court held on 12/6/22. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 12/06/2022)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: After obtaining permission to hold ex parte calls re settlement from both parties via email, Plaintiffs' ex parte call with the Court held on 12/9/22. The Court thanks both sides for their detailed settlement position letters which were very helpful in advancing settlement negotiations. Based on the progress made during the ex parte calls, the parties and the Court agree to cancel the full settlement conference on 12/19/22. In lieu of that work, the Defendants will draft and circulate to the Plaintiffs a proposed settlement agreement and court order (or whatever format on which the parties can agree) by 1/25/23. A group status call on settlement is scheduled for 2/1/23 at 10:30 a.m. Central. To join call, counsel shall dial 888-273-3658 and enter access code 2217918. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 12/09/2022)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 01/04/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Telephonic status set for 2/1/2023 is reset to 2/1/2023 at 11:30 a.m. Time change only. Call in information to remain. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 01/05/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: In light of the settlement conference status scheduled for 2/1/2023, the Court strikes the status date set for 1/11/2023 and resets it to 3/1/2023 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report on settlement by 2/21/2023. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is necessary. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 01/10/2023)

MOTION by Defendants Illinois State Board of Elections, Steve S. Sandvoss for extension of time (Jones, Margaret) (Entered: 01/25/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Defendant's Unopposed Motion to Extend Time 58 is granted. The telephonic status call set for 2/1/2023 is stricken and reset to 2/15/2023 at 9:30 a.m. Call in information to remain. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 01/26/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Telephonic status hearing set for 2/15/2023 is reset to 2/15/2023 at 10:15 a.m. Time change only. Call in information to remain. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 02/13/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Status hearing regarding settlement held on 2/15/23 and continued to 3/3/23 at 10:15 a.m. Central. Parties report that they are in the process of working on settlement terms. Should the parties resolve all issues before the next status and anticipate filing a stipulation to dismiss with the District Judge, they should jointly email this Court's courtroom deputy and the status hearing may be stricken. To join the 3/3/23 call, counsel shall dial 888-273-3658 and enter access code 2217918. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 02/15/2023)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 02/21/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 3/1/2023 and resets it to 3/28/2023 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report on settlement by 3/21/2023. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is necessary. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 02/28/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: At Defendant's request and by agreement of the parties, the telephone status set on 3/2/2023 is cancelled and reset to 3/20/2023 at 10:30 a.m. central. Call in information to remain. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 03/02/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Status hearing regarding settlement held on 3/20/23, and continued to 4/24/23 at 1pm Central. Parties report that they continue to work productively toward settlement terms. Should the parties resolve all issues before the next status and anticipate filing a stipulation to dismiss with the District Judge, they should jointly email this Court's courtroom deputy and the status hearing may be stricken. To join the 4/24/23 call, counsel shall dial 888-273-3658 and enter access code 2217918. Mailed notice. (exr, ) (Entered: 03/20/2023)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 03/21/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 3/28/2023 and resets it to 5/10/2023 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report on settlement by 5/3/2023. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is necessary. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Status hearing held on 4/24/2023 and continued to 5/24/2023 at 10:15 a.m. Central. The parties continue to negotiate closer to a finalized settlement. Should the settlement agreement become executed and a Stipulation to Dismiss is on file with the District Judge prior to 5/24/23, then the status hearing will be cancelled, and no one need to call in. To join the 5/24/2023 status conference by phone, dial 888-273-3658 and enter access code 2217918. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing. Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 04/25/2023)

STATUS Report by Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 05/03/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Telephonic status set for 5/24/2023 is reset to 5/24/2023 at 10:30 a.m. Time change only. Call in information to remain. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 05/08/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 5/10/2023 and resets it to 6/1/2023 at 9:30 a.m. The parties should file a joint status report on settlement by 5/30/2023. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is necessary. Emailed notice (cdh, ) (Entered: 05/10/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Status hearing on settlement held on 5/24/2023. The parties report that the now-completed settlement agreement is in the process of being executed. A Stipulation of Dismissal shall be filed with the District Judge by 6/2/2023. The Court also discussed with the parties various jurisdictional options, which the parties are also free to discuss with District Judge during their status on 6/1/23. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 05/26/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 6/1/2023 and resets it to 6/6/2023 at 9:30 a.m. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 06/01/2023)

MOTION by Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw to continue deadlines Presented before Magistrate Judge (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 06/02/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: Motion to continue 74 is granted. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 06/05/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: The Court strikes the status date set for 6/6/2023 and resets it to 7/5/2023 at 9:30 a.m. If the parties file a stipulation of dismissal prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll-free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice. (rj, ) (Entered: 06/05/2023)

MOTION by Plaintiffs Carol J. Davis, Illinois Conservative Union, Loretta J. Savee, Janet L. Shaw for protective order Presented before Magistrate Judge (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 (Proposed Agreed Confidentiality Order))(Lee, Eric) (Entered: 06/15/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Beth W. Jantz: The Parties' Joint Motion for Entry of an Agreed Confidentiality Order 77 is granted. Enter Order. The parties' stipulation of dismissal is due by 6/29/2023. If the parties need a status hearing with the Magistrate Judge to discuss the possible form of that stipulation, they may jointly request one by emailing the Magistrate Judge's CRD, and a telephonic status hearing, if needed, could be set for 6/22/23 (after 10:30 a.m. Central), on 6/23/23 at 9:00 a.m. Central, or on 6/30/23 at 11:15 a.m. Central. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 06/21/2023)

AGREED Confidentiality Order. Signed by the Honorable Beth W. Jantz on 6/21/2023. Mailed notice. (as, ) (Entered: 06/21/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Telephone conference held on 7/11/2023 and continued to 7/18/2023 at 9:30 AM. If the parties file a signed Exercise Consent of Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge, prior to the next status date, no appearance is required. Attorneys/Parties should appear for the hearing by calling the Toll-Free Number: (866) 434-5269, Access Code: 8087837. Throughout the telephonic hearing, each speaker will be expected to identify themselves for the record before speaking. Please note that the conference call-in will be used by all cases that are on the court's calendar for the said date, therefore counsel must be in a quiet area while on the line and must have the telephone muted until your case is called. Members of the public and media will be able to call in to listen to this hearing (use toll-free number). Persons granted remote access to proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting court proceedings. Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Mailed notice (rj, ) (Entered: 07/12/2023)

JOINT CONSENT to Exercise of Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 07/18/2023)

STIPULATION of Dismissal (Lee, Eric) (Entered: 07/18/2023)

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sara L. Ellis: Telephone conference held on 7/18/2023. Pursuant to the Stipulation of Dismissal filed in this case 85, the case is dismissed without prejudice and will convert to a dismissal with prejudice within six months of today's date. Civil case terminated. Mailed notice. (exr, ) (Entered: 07/18/2023)