Illinois lawmakers arguably do their best to protect the innocent and serve their constituents.
It appears they must now defend common sense as well.
The Senate voted 51-4 Friday for Senate Bill 1335, which promotes bowling shoe safety.
The bill, which has already passed the House and now requires Gov. Quinn's authorization, protects bowling alley owners from frivolous lawsuits. Business owners would be allowed to post signs near entrances and exits, warning customers that bowling shoes are "specialized footwear" and should not be worn outside. If patrons slip and fall as a result of wearing the shoes outside in the rain or snow, alley owners cannot be held responsible.
"It helps [owners] not to have to deal with negligent bowlers who go out to smoke or have wet feet and come in and sue them for something they've done that was not appropriate," said Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago), reports the Sun-Times. "This does away with negligent lawsuits."
Trotter made it clear however that those who slip and fall while following the rules (only wearing the shoes indoors) would still be able to file lawsuits if necessary.
What's next? Warning bowlers that the balls are heavy?
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Matt Bartosik, editor of Off the Rocks' next issue, loves to bowl even though he's not very good at it.
