Illinois Legislative News: November 17, 2025
Third Reading Consulting Group
Following a highly productive veto session in October, the Illinois General Assembly will return to Springfield for their 2026 regular session in January. The Senate convenes on January 13, followed by the House one week later, on January 20. Each chamber is only in session for one week in January, reflecting the heavy activity during veto session, which advanced significant legislation on energy, public transportation, immigration enforcement, and decoupling from certain federal tax changes.
As always, the most significant piece of legislation next year will be the state’s FY 2027 budget, with Governor JB Pritzker scheduled to deliver his annual State of the State and budget address on February 18. Additionally, if the federal government cuts subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the General Assembly may consider options to replace that funding at the state level, despite limited discretionary spending capacity. 2026 is a midterm election year, and many members will be up for reelection and will look to spend time in their districts ahead of the March 17 primary election.
The 2026 General Assembly session is notable for its lack of days when both the Senate and House will be in Springfield at the same time, relative to previous years. Before May, the only times both chambers will be in session together are the last two weeks of February, the last week of March, and the second full week of April. Legislative activity heats up in May, with both chambers scheduled for all four weeks ahead of the scheduled adjournment date of May 31.
January is prime bill introduction season, and the first major deadline of the 2026 session will be the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) request deadline on January 16, marking the start of the LRB blackout period. Following the LRB request deadline, February 6 is the bill introduction deadline. Once all bills have been introduced, they will begin to be considered in committees ahead of the Senate committee deadline on March 12 and the House committee deadline on March 27. Both the House and Senate have their initial chamber third reading deadline on April 17, opposite chamber committee deadline on May 8, and opposite chamber third reading deadline on May 22. The final few weeks of session are typically the busiest leading up to the scheduled adjournment date of May 31.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
February 6 – Bill Introduction Deadline
February 18 – Governor’s State of the State and Budget Address
March 13 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline (Senate)
March 27 – Initial Chamber Committee Deadline (House)
April 17 – Initial Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 8 – Opposite Chamber Committee Deadline
May 22 – Opposite Chamber Third Reading Deadline
May 31 – Adjournment