Illinois Legislative News: January 20, 2025
Third Reading Consulting Group
104th General Assembly Leadership and Committee Assignments
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch announced the appointment of committee chairs for the Illinois House. The list includes a range of seasoned experts from both parties to chair key committees, including Republican Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Alpha), a 27-year U.S. Army veteran, who will lead the House Veterans Affairs Committee. This marks the first time in over a decade that a Republican has chaired a committee. Welch emphasized that the new chairs bring valuable legislative experience, compassion, and a commitment to serving Illinois families.
Welch also announced the creation of several new committees to reflect the growing demands throughout the state. These include the Gun Violence Prevention Committee, the Museums, Arts & Culture Committee, the International Relations, Tourism & Trade Committee, and the Appropriations – Personnel & Pensions Committee. To better reflect their purviews, the Elementary & Secondary Education: Curriculum & Policy Committee will be renamed the Education Policy Committee, and the Restorative Justice Committee will be renamed the Restorative Justice & Public Safety Committee.
Additionally, Speaker Welch appointed a new leadership team, which included a few familiar faces. Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) will continue to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) will now serve as speaker pro tempore and co-budgeteer – a position previously held by Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria). Other shifts in leadership include Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and Rep. Aaron Ortiz (D-Chicago), who will both no longer serve on the leadership team. On the Republican side, leadership will remain the same as last year, with the exception of Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), who will no longer serve on the leadership team due to personal health challenges.
The Senate Democrats and Republicans, on the other hand, have not announced their leadership positions or committee chairs. However, President Harmon did announce that the Senate will be removing the Early Childhood Education Committee and adding the following new committees: Child Welfare, Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Pensions.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
January 24 – LRB Request Deadline
February 7 – Bill Introduction Deadline
February 19 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address
March 21 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline
April 11 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 9 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 23 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment