Rep. Martha Deuter backs HB4340 to simplify uncontested state vendor claim process

Rep. Martha Deuter (D-45th) supported HB4340, legislation to implement an expedited procedure for uncontested state vendor claims, during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, Illinois House records show; the measure was approved in the House by a 115-0 vote.

According to the bill's official summary, the act is titled: "COURT OF CLAIMS-PROCEDURE."

The explanation that follows offers a summary and interpretation of the bill's language to clarify its main requirements.

The bill establishes a simplified administrative system for uncontested vendor claims against the state involving lapsed appropriations when the amounts are below $2,500. It directs agencies to either confirm or deny such claims within 30 days, or lose contesting rights, and instructs the comptroller, contingent on available funds, to remit payment to vendors within 30 days following a court decision. The legislation also requires the Court of Claims and agencies to issue written defect notices within 30 days, permits vendors to remedy those defects, implements partial payments for accepted invoice portions, authorizes remote and electronic proceedings, adjusts filing fees to $15 for claims between $500 and $10,000, $35 for claims at or exceeding $10,000, and arranges for the refund of certain fees to successful vendors in contract cases.

The legislative action recorded for HB4340 was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 5 House Concurs'.

Deuter earned her BSW from Ohio University in 1995.

A member of the Democratic Party, Deuter was elected to the Illinois State House in 2025 to represent the 45th District, following the tenure of Jenn Ladisch Douglass.

In Illinois, legislation adheres to a multi-step process starting with introduction in either legislative chamber, followed by committee evaluation, debates, votes in both houses, and consideration by the governor. The General Assembly meets on a biennial cycle, and only a limited portion of the thousands of bills proposed each session ultimately becomes law.