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Illinois General Assembly

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Illinois General Assembly
NameIllinois General Assembly
LegislatureIllinois General Assembly
House typeBicameral
HousesIllinois Senate, Illinois House of Representatives
Leader1 typePresident of the Senate
Leader1Don Harmon
Party1(Democratic)
Election12020
Leader2 typeSpeaker of the House
Leader2Emanuel Chris Welch
Party2(Democratic)
Election22021
Members177, 59 Senators, 118 Representatives
Political groups1Majority (40), Democratic (40), Minority (19), Republican (19)
Political groups2Majority (78), Democratic (78), Minority (40), Republican (40)
Last election1November 8, 2022
Next election1November 5, 2024
Meeting placeIllinois State Capitol, Springfield, Illinois
Websitehttps://ilga.gov/

Illinois General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Illinois, operating as a bicameral body comprising the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives. Its members are elected from legislative districts throughout the state, with its primary meeting place being the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. The assembly is responsible for enacting, amending, and repealing the laws of Illinois, as well as proposing amendments to the Illinois Constitution.

History

The first assembly convened in 1818 following the admission of Illinois to the United States under the first state constitution. Early sessions were held in Kaskaskia, Vandalia, and finally Springfield after it was designated the permanent capital in 1837. Significant historical developments include the passage of the Black Laws in the antebellum period, the legislative actions during the American Civil War, and the political turmoil of the Prohibition era. The modern structure was largely defined by the Illinois Constitution of 1970, which established annual sessions and streamlined the legislative process.

Structure and composition

The legislature consists of two chambers: the upper Illinois Senate with 59 members serving four-year terms, and the lower Illinois House of Representatives with 118 members serving two-year terms. Elections are held in even-numbered years, with senate districts divided into three groups for staggered terms. The Democratic Party currently holds supermajorities in both chambers. Leadership includes the President of the Illinois Senate, currently Don Harmon, and the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, currently Emanuel Chris Welch. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the ceremonial president of the senate but may only vote to break a tie.

Powers and duties

The assembly's primary constitutional authority is to enact laws for the State of Illinois. It holds the power of the purse, crafting the state's budget and appropriating funds for agencies like the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police. It can override gubernatorial vetoes with a three-fifths majority vote in each chamber. Additional duties include confirming gubernatorial appointments, such as to the Illinois Supreme Court, proposing constitutional amendments, and conducting investigations through committees. It also has the sole power to impeach state officials, with trials conducted by the Illinois Senate.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by any member. It is read, assigned to a relevant committee like the Appropriations or Judiciary Committee, and may be amended before a chamber vote. If passed, it moves to the other chamber for a similar process. Bills passed by both houses are sent to the Governor of Illinois, who may sign it, allow it to become law without a signature, or issue a veto. The assembly may also create joint resolutions for constitutional amendments, which require a three-fifths vote in each house before submission to voters. The Legislative Reference Bureau provides drafting assistance.

Current session and leadership

The 103rd General Assembly convened in January 2023 following the 2022 Illinois elections. The President of the Illinois Senate is Democrat Don Harmon of Oak Park, and the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives is Democrat Emanuel Chris Welch of Hillside. The Senate Minority Leader is John Curran, and the House Minority Leader is Tony McCombie. Key legislative priorities have included the state budget, education funding for University of Illinois, and criminal justice reforms.

Notable legislation

Historically significant acts include the 1853 law establishing a free public school system, the 1867 Illinois Railroad Act regulating railroads, and the 1891 Factory and Workshop Inspection Act for labor safety. In the 20th century, the assembly passed the 1970 Illinois Income Tax Act, the 1983 Illinois School Reform Act, and the 2011 legislation that raised the state income tax. More recent major laws include the 2013 Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, the 2017 Illinois School Funding Reform Act, the 2019 Reproductive Health Act, the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and the 2023 Protect Illinois Communities Act which banned assault weapons.

Category:Illinois General Assembly Category:State legislatures of the United States