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Illinois House of Representatives

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Illinois House of Representatives
NameIllinois House of Representatives
LegislatureIllinois General Assembly
House typeLower house
BodyIllinois General Assembly
Term limitsNone
New sessionJanuary 11, 2023
Leader1 typeSpeaker
Leader1Emanuel Chris Welch
Party1(Democratic)
Election1January 13, 2021
Leader2 typeMinority Leader
Leader2Tony McCombie
Party2(Republican)
Election2January 11, 2023
Members118
Political groups1Majority (78), Democratic (78), Minority (40), Republican (40)
Meeting placeHouse of Representatives Chamber, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, Illinois
Websitehttps://ilga.gov/house/

Illinois House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Illinois General Assembly, the state legislature of Illinois. It comprises 118 representatives elected from single-member districts for two-year terms with no term limits. The body convenes at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois and shares lawmaking responsibilities with the Illinois Senate.

History

The chamber was established by the first Illinois Constitution adopted in 1818 upon Illinois's admission to the United States. Its early history was marked by debates over issues like slavery, internal improvements, and the relocation of the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. The Illinois Constitution of 1870 solidified its structure, and the current Illinois Constitution of 1970 governs its modern operations. Significant historical events include the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, which involved future members, and the chamber's role during the Great Chicago Fire and the Haymarket affair. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus have grown in influence since the mid-20th century.

Membership and elections

Members are elected from 118 districts apportioned by population following each United States Census. Elections are held in even-numbered years, coinciding with elections for the United States House of Representatives. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old, and residents of their district for two years prior to the election. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party dominate elections, though independent candidates occasionally run. Vacancies are filled by appointment by local party committees. The current district map was adopted after the 2020 United States Census and was the subject of litigation under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Powers and duties

The chamber possesses the sole power to initiate revenue bills and articles of impeachment against state officials, which are then tried by the Illinois Senate. It shares the power to pass legislation, override gubernatorial vetoes with a three-fifths vote, and propose amendments to the Illinois Constitution, which require a three-fifths vote before going to voters. It also confirms certain gubernatorial appointments, such as to the Illinois Commerce Commission, and exercises oversight of state agencies like the Illinois Department of Transportation through committees.

Leadership and organization

The presiding officer is the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, elected by the full membership; Emanuel Chris Welch has held the position since 2021. Other leaders include the Majority Leader (Robyn Gabel), the Minority Leader (Tony McCombie), and various whips. The chamber organizes into standing committees, such as the Appropriations-General Service Committee and the Judiciary - Criminal Committee, which review legislation. Administrative functions are supported by the Clerk of the Illinois House of Representatives and the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Current composition and session

Following the 2022 Illinois House of Representatives election, the Democratic Party holds a 78-40 supermajority. The current session, the 103rd General Assembly, began on January 11, 2023. Key Democratic members include Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch and Jehan Gordon-Booth, while the Republican caucus is led by Tony McCombie and John M. Cabello. The chamber meets according to a schedule set by the Speaker, with the state constitution mandating adjournment by May 31 each year.

Notable legislation

The chamber has passed landmark laws including the 2017 Illinois School Funding Reform Act, which overhauled education finance. It enacted the Illinois Reproductive Health Act in 2019, protecting abortion rights, and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021, committing the state to clean energy. Historically, it passed the first state law for mandatory education in 1855 and the Illinois Human Rights Act in 1979. Other significant acts include the 2011 legislation abolishing the death penalty in Illinois and the 2013 Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which preceded the legalization of same-sex marriage in Illinois.

Category:Illinois House of Representatives Category:Lower houses of subnational legislatures