Illinois House of Representatives Adopts Strong Rules Package for Transparency

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted rules for the 102nd General Assembly based on a package proposed by Leader Harris and a working group convened earlier in the session. These rules allow for remote legislating so House committees can continue hearings and mark-ups with safety and health top-of-mind. These new rules also align with Speaker Welch’s intention to offer reforms that allow for more transparent legislative processes.  

Highlights of the new rules package include:

  • Allowing remote participation and voting in committees, including the Rules Committee, with proper disclosure of technology and software to allow public participation;

  • Creating term limits for the Speaker and Minority leader of five General Assemblies;

  • Prohibiting the Speaker and Minority Leader from serving on the Rules Committee;

  • Requiring the Speaker and Minority Leader to recuse themselves from disciplinary proceedings if they are a petitioner or subject of the proceedings;

  • Allowing the chair of special investigating committees or select disciplinary committees to adopt procedural rules without the approval of the Speaker.

“My first priority for these new rules was to approve remote work so the House can get to work on the long list of critical issues facing the state,” said Speaker Welch. “In addition to that, my other priority was to institute reforms that would allow for new leaders to cycle into leadership at a faster pace. I thank Leader Harris and Working Group members for developing a set of concrete changes that allow us to get to work today.”

A copy of the rules package can be viewed here. With these new rules adopted, House committee chairs will chart out their schedules for remote work and hearings, while Speaker Welch and Minority Leader Durkin complete the roster of committee membership in the coming days.

 
Andrea Garcia