Illinois legislature

Illinois legislature. The legislative branch of the state government is formally known as the Illinois General Assembly, a bicameral body established by the Illinois Constitution. It convenes at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois and is responsible for enacting, amending, and repealing the statutes that govern the state. The assembly consists of the Illinois Senate as the upper chamber and the Illinois House of Representatives as the lower chamber, with members elected from districts across the state.

History

The first assembly convened in 1818 following the admission of Illinois to the Union and the adoption of its first constitution. Early sessions were held in Kaskaskia and Vandalia before the capital was permanently moved to Springfield in 1839. Significant historical developments include the passage of the Illinois Black Code in the antebellum period, legislative actions during the Civil War, and the political turmoil of the Prohibition era. The modern framework was largely established by the Illinois Constitution of 1970, which created the current structure and annual legislative sessions.

Structure and composition

The assembly is a bicameral legislature consisting of 59 Senators and 118 Representatives. Senators serve either two- or four-year terms following each decennial census, while Representatives serve two-year terms. All members are elected from single-member districts drawn by the General Assembly itself, a process often subject to political contention. The Illinois Supreme Court has occasionally intervened in redistricting disputes. The chambers meet in their respective halls within the Illinois State Capitol, a building designed by architects like John M. Van Osdel.

Powers and duties

The assembly holds the primary state lawmaking power, with authority to pass bills on any subject not preempted by the U.S. Constitution. Its enumerated powers include levying taxes, authorizing budget appropriations, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and proposing amendments to the Illinois Constitution. The body also possesses the power of impeachment, with the House bringing charges and the Senate conducting trials. It exercises oversight over executive branch agencies and can establish investigative committees.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by any member and is assigned to a relevant standing committee, such as the Appropriations or Judiciary Committee. After committee review and possible amendment, the bill proceeds to three readings on the chamber floor. Passage requires a constitutional majority vote. If the second chamber amends the bill, it may go to a conference committee to reconcile differences. Finally, the bill is sent to the Governor, who may sign it, veto it, or issue an amendatory veto. The assembly may override a veto with a three-fifths majority in each chamber.

Current leadership and membership

The Illinois Senate is presided over by President Don Harmon, a Democrat from Oak Park. The Minority Leader is John Curran, a Republican. The Illinois House of Representatives is led by Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, a Democrat from Hillside, with Tony McCombie serving as House Minority Leader. Following the 2022 Illinois elections, the Democratic Party holds supermajorities in both chambers, controlling 40 Senate seats and 78 House seats.

Recent sessions and notable legislation

Recent sessions have addressed significant policy areas, including the FY 2025 state budget and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The 101st General Assembly passed the Illinois Reproductive Health Act, while the 102nd General Assembly enacted the Pretrial Fairness Act, which abolished cash bail in the state. Other major enactments include the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act, the Black Caucus's education and economic equity pillars, and repeated adjustments to the state income tax structure. The assembly also played a key role in the 2021 redistricting cycle and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.